>> Grammar and spelling are important to effective communication. Yes, they can be. But is there a chance that anyone misunderstood the original comment? I don't think so. If the original post involved a typo to a number with an extra zero or a missing decimal point, it would be important. If someone left out 'not' and that reversed what they meant, it would be important. The typo in question? Pretty minor. >> On topic, the OP does realize that the herbs that this forum is so fond of that you buy in the store are typically sold by the exact same drug companies only with out research money being spent and there for with a high profit margin, one hopes. Really? I don't see that at all. The most common resellers of herb capsules and tablets are independent companies that specializes in herbs - a few have been bought-out by larger companies, but to my knowledge, none are pharmacy companies. The companies that sell loose herbs in bulk (Starwest, Frontier, Rose Mountain) are not large multinational companies, nor are they subsidiaries of them. It is true that Walgreens, CVS and other pharmacies offer their own lines of herbs - but that is mostly a repackaging/branding move. All companies hope for a nice profit margin - that is capitalism. But since herbs are generally not patented, since it is relatively easy to produce and market herbs or specialty foods: there is more competition, and there is less of a mark-up than for areas where the market is dominated by a few companies that hold patents or other monopolistic powers. The drop in prices when a drug moves to generic status is evidence that competition does lower prices.

alisande -- If I were you, I'd go with the cheapest premium. Yes, you *could* pay that $320 deductible -- IF you are prescribed enough meds to reach that limit. (Even if you did, it's still less than your current Part D will be in 2015.) That Humana/Wal-Mart plan is offered here, too. DH and I will each breeze right through that deductible with our outrageously priced meds, regardless, so it may make sense for us too. Our 2014 WellCare Part D is going up from $20/mo. to $30/mo. I don't see keeping that if we can do better. Have you 'run the numbers' on Part D plans on www.medicare.gov Re:Deductibles. In 2012 and 2013 we had a Medicare Supplemental Plan F that paid for everything and the kitchen sink. For 2014 we took a Plan F- High Deductible ($2200/pp deductible) and are money ahead. We could afford to pay that $2200 each if necessary, but I have only had about $300 in out of pocket and DH less. We were still protected in the event of HUGE medical bills. Re: Filling prescriptions. We are fine with 90-day supplies from mail order on our maintenance meds. This year my cost for Advair was a third lower via mail order. (It's still a big rip-off, but that's because the US doesn't negotiate pricing with the pharmaceutical companies.)

I like to find words from other cultures for which we have no concept in our society. I was fascinated by this example from Finland, as we in the US are likely to be shot as trespassers if we wander too freely without permission on private lands... From the Finnish: "Jokamiehenoikeus"---"The right for anyone to gather wild berries, mushrooms, flowers, to freely roam and travel the countryside, so long as you don't intrude on peoples" privacy." What a wonderful concept. From what I understand, a similar value exists as well in Germany and the UK.

All the Part D Drug plans listed in the back of the Medicare and You handbook are approved CMS drug plans for RX coverage that can be selected by Medicare beneficiaries with Original Medicare. These plans are standardized for all states, whether you live in PA or California, the premium and its defined benefit are exactly the same for all enrollees. Each individual drug plan may designate a preferred or standard pharmacy, and by using a preferred pharmacy will in most cases lower the drug cost for the subscriber. When you go to Medicare.gov and input your maintenance medications, you can get an idea of your total drug costs including the monthly premium costs for each of these plans annualized (or monthly even), for an individualized comparative base cost estimate for each drug plan. Of course if any new medications are prescribed for me during the year, I hope it's a tier one, generic medication and most likely covered, or if not, found cheaper with calling around to Walmart or using GoodRX. Personally myself, I choose the least expensive drug plan on the list based on the total estimated cost to me, and by preferred pharmacy. For peace of mind, this exercise should be done each year, as nothing is static and drug plans trend to fluctuate upwards.