Never thought I would title a post as I have this one, unless I was feeling unusually sarcastic.
I called in a prescription for 500mg tablets of chloroquine (trade name Aralen), a drug used to provide some protection from malaria. I am heading to Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras in a week, and malaria is still a problem, especially in rural areas. I figured that headaches, diarrhea, and occasional 'bizarre behavior' were preferable to contracting the disease that keeps on giving. But at least I do not have to take mefloquine (trade name Lariam), which is even more potent with more dangerous side effects.
I told the pharmacist that if my insurer - Regence - did not cover the cost, I'd pay full price. I was quite willing to do that rather than risk illness. My previous New Mexico carrier, Lovelace, never paid for this or similar drugs. They claimed I was choosing to travel to some disease-ridden hellhole, which I was. So, mala suerte, amigo! But they also admitted that if I contracted malaria, they would cover treatment. I could never understand the logic of that. No money for prevention, but lots for treatment.
Imagine my surprise when the prescription was filled with nothing more than the normal $5 co-pay.
I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"There is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid people who ask questions." -- Chris Berman
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