The past couple of weeks, I've received 2 demands by insurance to
justify the use of hydrocodone for patients over the age of 64.

They say that their data indicates this medication is "not indicated/approved" for the
older population. 

This medication is a low level narcotic often used in the setting of chronic pain.
One particular patient has rheumatoid arthritis and has been on this medication
for years.  The medication controls the pain so she can perform daily activity.

So, hypothetically, a drug that has a generic formulation, that is effective, and
that relieves suffering and pain, cannot be given to this patient because she has
now become older than 64.  Or is it something more sinister, like insurance
trying to nickel and dime customers to death.........literally.

What shall we do with this patient?  Push her over a cliff in her wheelchair?

Perhaps medical insurance companies that aim for profits can explain to the
American public what people can look forward to as they get older.

I'm not talking about heart transplants.  I'm talking about a generic (cheap) pill.

Of course, Viagra is covered by the same plan.........