Tough Subject

(McCain balks at Viagra talk - First Read - msnbc.com)

Did anyone catch this on the news this morning? Deer in the headlights moment but Carly has a point - why do some insurances cover Viagra - seems like it shouldn't fall under a health category issue.

[drmatsci]

Originally Posted by Dixie

(McCain balks at Viagra talk - First Read - msnbc.com)

Did anyone catch this on the news this morning? Deer in the headlights moment but Carly has a point - why do some insurances cover Viagra - seems like it shouldn't fall under a health category issue.

Because he needs one and not the other?

Originally Posted by drmatsci

Because he needs one and not the other?

Could be. I'm catching myself humming that Viva Viagra commercial. I'm driving myself crazy.

[chernmax]

Originally Posted by Dixie

Could be. I'm catching myself humming that Viva Viagra commercial. I'm driving myself crazy.

Get your mind out the gutter...

[MMDad]

Originally Posted by Dixie

- why do some insurances cover Viagra - seems like it shouldn't fall under a health category issue.

Why not?

[drmatsci]

If ED isn't a health issue, what is it? Agreed.

[SamSpade]

Originally Posted by Dixie

(McCain balks at Viagra talk - First Read - msnbc.com)

Did anyone catch this on the news this morning? Deer in the headlights moment but Carly has a point - why do some insurances cover Viagra - seems like it shouldn't fall under a health category issue.

Personally I hate set ups as though coverage of birth control and coverage of Viagra were some kind of balanced comparison. So what? Lots of medical plans cover abortions. Many cover the pill. And some cover Viagra. If someone is trying to say that birth control is the female equivalent of Viagra, I'd say they need sex ed classes again.

You'd think it was the only male coverage versus the only female coverage. They don't compare, and some do and some don't. Some cover Rogaine. Many don't. Some cover nicotine substitutes. Others don't. So what? Should we compare them, too?

It's just an arbitrary comparison created to provoke people. And it's working.

Originally Posted by MMDad

Why not?

I'll be perfectly honest, I don't possess those parts and don't know much about them. How is ED a health issue?

[SamSpade]

Originally Posted by Dixie

I'll be perfectly honest, I don't possess those parts and don't know much about them. How is ED a health issue?

I guess it depends on the causes.

Try to imagine any other body part that ceases to function because of poor blood flow. Yeah, you could do WITHOUT an arm or leg - but why should you if it can be medicated?

Viagra isn't an aphrodisiac, although you'd think it was from the way it's marketed.

[MMDad]

Originally Posted by Dixie

I'll be perfectly honest, I don't possess those parts and don't know much about them. How is ED a health issue?

Are you saying that a body part not working is not a health issue?

Should we stop covering care for "woman parts" after they are over reproductive age? Should we just say "deal with menopause, you can't get knocked up any more so it isn't a health issue?"

You are comparing apples and oranges. To be fair you should compare aples and apples.

Male BC is covered by some health plans, but not all. Female BC is covered by some health plans but not all.

ED is covered by some health plans, but not all. Female reproductive problems are covered by all health plans as mandated by law.