Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

[brynndragon]

Plan B now available OTC. . . but only if you're over 18. "There isn't enough scientific evidence that young teens can safely use Plan B without a doctor's supervision," my lilly white ass. There's tons of OTC things that aren't recommended for kids that don't require photo ID to purchase. Why don't they just admit they don't want underage abortions (or rather, they *do* want underage abortions, since Plan B won't be readily available)?

Also, it's unclear from the language if men over 18 could also purchase Plan B or not. Anyone want to test the theory in a few months when it hits the shelves?

Comments

[benndragon.livejournal.com]

If having nasty side effects and potential for misuse were grounds for any drug that qualified being behind the counter, I'd be all for it. But Plan B gets singled out with a bogus requirement, and that I object to. Also, I thought you could get OTC drugs with a perspecrption under health care plans, e.g. the horse-pill version of ibuprophen I've gotten on occation? Or is it just special formulations? I mean, if women can't afford this out of pocket and can't get it as a perscription they'll end up charging the HMOs a lot more money by having abortions or pregnancies (and in this state at least everyone will have an HMO in a little while), and HMOs are generally slightly better sighted than that (generally and only slightly).

[gingerkat.livejournal.com]

I agree that it is being done for the wrong reasons. The OTC drugs such as ibuprofen are high doses not available OTC and are used with different directions than OTC. You can't buy 600 or 800mg tablets over the counter. Insurance won't pay for the 200mg available OTC.

Some HMO's are better sighted than this, but many are not. I get rejections from various insurance companies for ridiculous reasons that will cost them in the long run on a daily basis. My own insurance plan now will not pay for physicals, but does have coverage for emergency visits. That doesn't really make sense financially in the long run, does it?

Mass health is one of the most difficult to deal with. They do not pay for OTC's period, unless the patient is a child. And then you have to have all sorts of special prior approvals which take tons of paperwork and time to do. I don't see them paying for this, which is sad because these are the people who can't afford meds anyhow.