If you always felt you were taking a beating every time you had to come up with the co-pay for brand-name prescription medications, congratulations: You were right.
With many of their best customers buying generic copycats of top drugs like cholesterol-fighting Lipitor, blood thinner Plavix and blood pressure drug Diovan, drug companies are offering co-pay coupons that can bring insured patients medicines for as little as $4 a month.
Pfizer Inc. tested the new trend last year. Pfizer's Lipitor had been taken by more than 3.5 million Americans until generic competition arrived last Nov. 30. Drug firms typically have patents that give them exclusive rights to sell their drugs for 10 to 15 years. As patents expire, firms are trying to keep patients by bringing down prices to compete with generics.
Either way, patients are getting a price break, which should also be good for their health.
Our Views
Editorial: Coupons bring down prices
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Editorial: Earnings-based tuition an artificial construction
The issue: Some NMC programs to see stiff tuition hikes. Our view: Don’t base tuition on artificial ‘earnings’ projections.
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Cheers: 05/20/2013
To the late Bill Russell, a businessman who broke barriers all his life, including opening the region's first Indian-owned manufacturing plant in 1975.
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Editorial: Airport should give vets prominent recognition
The issue: Cherry Capital relegates veterans sign to luggage area. Our view: Either do it right or not at all.
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Editorial: Obama must set tone for IRS, Justice Dept.
The issue: IRS, Justice Department have much to answer for. Our view: Leadership begins and ends with President Obama.
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Editorial: TBAISD hoards money as schools struggle
The issue: TBAISD’s millions. Our view: Big changes needed.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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Editorial: Food trucks will help build reputation
The issue: Traverse City OKs food trucks. Our view: New choices will enhance city’s reputation as a foodie haven.
Continued ... - Monday, May 13, 2013
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Cheers: 05/13/2013
To the Northwestern Michigan Colleges Associate Degree in Nursing Program for celebrating its 50th anniversary. The first graduates of the program were recognized at a reception and dinner.
Continued ... - Sunday, May 12, 2013
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Editorial: TCAPS bond requests reflect voter feedback
After a $100 million bond issue took a beating at the polls in November, the Traverse City Area Public Schools board of education gave itself a homework assignment:
Continued ... - Friday, May 10, 2013
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Editorial: Tax debate will decide winners, losers
The issue: Lansing, Washington consider online sales taxes. Our view: There may be winners, but consumers will pay.
Continued ... - Thursday, May 9, 2013
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Editorial: EPA gives Badger a pass to pollute Lake Mich.
The issue: The SS Badger is sailing again. Our view: No way should the EPA allow this pollution to continue.
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Editorial: NRA president ready to fight
Anyone who perhaps hoped new leadership at the National Rifle Association would bring a chance for dialogue on the gun issue should think again.
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 8, 2013
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Editorial: State obliged to provide criminal defense for indigent
They are ugly statistics that paint a picture of a state heading down an unsustainable — and unjust — path.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 7, 2013
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Editorial: Congress must better defend military women
The issue: Military brass may lose right to reverse convictions. Our view: It’s the right and ethical thing to do.
Continued ... - Monday, May 6, 2013
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Cheers: 05/06/2013
To four area high schools — Traverse City West Senior High School, Leland Public School, Traverse City Central High School and Benzie Central High School — which ranked among the top public high schools in Michigan, according to nationwide rankings.
Continued ... - Sunday, May 5, 2013
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Editorial: Cherry Capital wise to use reserves for project
For years, those who fly in and out of Cherry Capital Airport have been complaining about high air fares.
Continued ... - Friday, May 3, 2013
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Editorial: Drop-off boxes getting pills off streets
Drop boxes that give residents a place to get rid of outdated or unneeded prescription drugs have proven their worth in just a few months.
Continued ... - Thursday, May 2, 2013
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Editorial: Peninsula must untangle zoning maze
The issue: Old Mission zoning growing more complex. Our view: Simpler way to navigate rules is a must.
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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Editorial: Path along Boardman could be link to downtown
The issue: City wants to upgrade Boardman River path. Our view: With pedestrian bridge, it could be new link to Warehouse District.
Continued ... - Tuesday, April 30, 2013
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Editorial: Fireworks-weary should put onus on Legislature
The issue: Some Leelanau residents want fireworks curbed. Our view: The best way is to change state law.
Continued ... - Monday, April 29, 2013
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Cheers: 04/29/2013
To The Goodwill Inn homeless shelter, which as of May 1 will offer ready-made meals to those unable to afford food.
Continued ... - Sunday, April 28, 2013
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Editorial: Don't let threatening behavior derail democracy
An ugly incident occurred in the Record-Eagle’s lobby last week, an intimidation effort carried out against one of the newspaper’s writers by a Leelanau County commissioner’s husband.
Continued ... - Friday, April 26, 2013
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Editorial: NMC adopts dangerous policy to curb free speech
The issue: NMC adopts ‘Campus Expression’ policy. Our view: It’s a direct assault on free speech.
Continued ... - Thursday, April 25, 2013
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Editorial: New library would boost Kalkaska
The issue: Kalkaska County wants a new library. Our view: 70-year-old building can no longer serve the community.
Continued ... - Wednesday, April 24, 2013
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Editorial: Starting small a smart solution
After at least one failed start, Traverse City has finally found a place to try out an idea that has been percolating for a couple years now - allowing homeowners in one neighborhood to create small, self-contained apartments inside their home or garage.
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Editorial: Deal between county, Cherryland makes sense
The old “win-win” thing is so tired it hardly has meaning any more. But the deal between Grand Traverse County and the Cherryland Humane Society qualifies.
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Editorial: Earnings-based tuition an artificial construction
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