To summarize the costs associated with medication:

Total cost for maintenance medications: $33,676

Subtract cost of medications not taken or received through assistance: $31,592

Cost of the seven medications filled: $2084

My out-of-pocket cost: $740

Unexpected prescriptions: unknown cost

So the complete annual price tag on routine health care for me: $55,413

Subtract the amount adjusted by insurance or not obtained through insurance: $40,519

Total amount approved through insurance: $14,894

Insurance pays: $11,895

My out-of-pocket expense: $3,739

Insurance premiums (underwritten) for one year: $3,948

Total annual expense paid by me for routine care and insurance: $7,687

Total expense paid by my insurance company: $11,895

Total expense paid by NORD for my Copaxone: $27,600

So I'm curious...what is the cost of your health care?  How often do you see the doctor?  Do you have any limitations dictated by your insurance coverage?  Are you pleased with your access to health care?  What changes would you like to see take place in health reform efforts?

Lisa Emrich is author of the blog Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA and founder of the Carnival of MS Bloggers.