I am 22F and is currently under my dads insurance. With it my Zoloft is 25$. However, since my abusive mom died of cancer my dad has add to take over. He works as a nurse and is taking care of the bills, me and my brothers school expenses, etc. He works so hard and I worry for him. Earlier today he said hes considering getting a second job. I offered to get a job myself, as I have a position training with my school. But he doesn't want me to worry about jobs.
That extra 25 dollars I use for my meds could be saved and make a huge difference. I want to help my dad in some way and I feel useless. Besides meds I am in therapy.
First of all if your meds help you (not everyone is that lucky) Dont do this. It sounds to me like your dad would be feel terrible (and maybe like a failure) to think you stopped a med that helped you because of him. You think you are helping him but it will make him feel guilt, he wants you to succeed. What happens if/when it effects your schooling or your life?
Something that helps your mental health should always be a priority.
Can you personally handle part time job or babysitting with with school or is it a pride thing for him? Talk to him about a part time job that just covers your meds. It wouldn't be that many hours a week for $25. A lot of people work full time to get through school, a few hours a week should be doable. And, it wont be forever. (as long as you can handle it)
Tell him how you feel watching him work so hard because of you guys, and ask him what he would do if the role was reversed. In the end, you are an adult and are allowed get that part time job if you need it. That would be the responsible thing to do over the alternative.
Hell even worse case: if it takes an extra semester to finish school so you can take less classes and work, its better then going off meds and then crashing, not finishing school or worse.
Also talk to your doctor to see if there are rebates, sample packs, etc to help out. Maybe ask your pharmacist on the cost and what other options there are (Here the pharmacist is not allowed to offer suggestions unless asked)
Ask your school for financial aid resources. (wont hurt). Whatever you do , just don't quit something that helps your mental health.
Good on your dad. My father was nowhere and didn't care if I went to school or not, nor if I got any treatment. Tho he lives comfortably himself. Good on you for caring and worrying for your dad.
This is unbelievably insane, I'm speechless. Is that 25$ a month, or a day? I'm so sorry you have to consider this, it's completely unacceptable in a rich country like yours.
$25 a month on a med in the US is actually pretty decent. They easily can be in the 100's for just 1 month supply of 1 med.
You are right tho, it's criminal. Many go without meds,..because they cant afford them. I was in line behind an older couple at the pharmacy where I went home feeling like I was hit by a truck. I still remember them and its been 20 years. One guy ( a professional caretaker of the disabled) was just in the news because he had to ration his diabetes meds to half and that was after living in a shed to save money for them. Etc etc,. I'd bet money that most everyone in the US knows someone who had to pass or give up on a medicine due to cost or losing insurance and unable to pay full cost.
I know there is lots at play, but pharmaceutical companies are greedy as hell here. Don't even get me started on the Epi pen price increase.
