Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Four types of HPV together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. The FDA has approved the first HPV vaccine, Gardasil, and in late June, a Centers for Disease Control panel recommended the routine inoculation (requiring a three-course vaccination) of 11- or 12-year-old girls against HPV.
But good luck finding someone in Minnesota who's offering the vaccine.
Is it pressure from parents who fear that vaccinating pre-teen girls will encourage promiscuity? No, it's much simpler than that.
It's money.
According to one clinic that looked into offering the vaccine, its medical plan payers will reimburse $120 dollars per vaccination. Merck, the drug's manufacturer, will charge the clinic $180 per dose. Thus, for each patient they treat, the group would be donating its time and space while paying a total of $180 out-of-pocket.
Why not bill the difference? Their contracts with the plans agree to accept the insurance reimbursement as payment in full. And, they are prohibited from "balance billing" — charging patients for any additional costs they incur.
This seems to be a roundabout way for the insurance companies to get Merck to lower its price. Even if it works, what are the chances the price will go below $120?
I don't know... Do you think this kind of disconnect would last long under a single-payer system?
And do you think my healthcare posts should stick with more dignified headlines?
