Prices are negociated at the national level, since they’re ultimately paid for at the national level (for instance, the healthcare system reimburses you for the drugs you bought at the private pharmacy). So, whatever governmental agency is in charge negociates with the pharmaceutical company a price that will apply for all buyers (public hospitals as well as private pharmacies).
Now that you mention it, the more efficient drug I was refering to in my previous post re negociations between France and a pharmaceutical company (priced on the basis of making it more costly than previous drugs) is for hepatitis, so probably the same one.
Well that’s interesting. But I’m confused as to why people are going to Mexico to buy drugs at a higher price. Assuming it’s because they can get them without a prescription then maybe it’s just that Mexico is serving the same role as another privileged provider because not many people can easily go there to get them.
That’s true, and of course where there is sufficient demand.
Actually, my insurance encourages 90 day refills for “maintenance medication”. The copay for 90 days is only twice what the copay is for 30. For one year, HR contracted with a company that required 90 day refills and that they arrive by mail. Unfortunately, the mail order fulfillment sucked dead donkey balls and there was an uproar over late medication, missing medication, and double billing.
Now we’ve just got the incentive and can get it filled in person. I’m much happier with that.
Why would this be a factor in comparative drug pricing? Retail drug sales are heavily regulated everywhere.
The regulations limit demand. Drug manufacturers can’t do much to increase demand with lower prices.