Treat lymphoma, sure, but don't expect coverage for that treatment

Given that a former colleague of mine is currently battling lymphoma I noticed this post from the Cheerful Oncologist.

Key excerpt:

Beginning Jan. 1, Medicare will reimburse only $16,000 of the $30,000 total cost for hospitals to acquire and administer each treatment of radioimmunotherapy drugs. Currently, only two drugs -- Bexxar and Zevalin -- fall under this class of therapy.

What on earth is going on here? Why would our government reimburse cancer care providers for less than the actual cost of a new lymphoma treatment, not to mention the cost of the physicians, nurses, equipment and space needed in order to give the treatment at the correct dose, in the correct manner, flawlessly, without any adverse outcomes, with no goof-ups that might attract the attention of malpractice-feeding lawyers. Go ahead...we're waiting for your answer.

This sotry might have gone unnoticed by me, were I not aware that my friend is back in chemo. And it probably goes unnoticed by many...except the patients and families dealing with it.

But, oh, let's let the free market work everything out, shall we?