She Moved to France and Her $36,000 Asthma Drug Dropped to $3,000

When an American woman suffering from severe asthma relocated to France, she expected cultural changes, a new language, and a different lifestyle. What she did not expect was that the medication that once cost her nearly $36,000 a year in the United States would cost just $3,000 annually under France’s healthcare system.
Her experience has become a striking example of how dramatically drug prices can differ between countries and has renewed debate about pharmaceutical pricing, insurance structures, and the role of government regulation in healthcare.
A Life Dependent on Costly Medication
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous for privacy reasons, had relied for years on a biologic asthma drug that controls severe symptoms and prevents life-threatening attacks. In the United States, even with insurance, the medication carried a staggering price tag. High deductibles and limited coverage meant she often paid thousands of dollars out of pocket each year.
“There were times when I delayed refills because I couldn’t afford them,” she said. “My health was constantly at odds with my finances.”
The drug, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is widely prescribed in the U.S. but is known for its high list price. Patient assistance programs helped temporarily, but those subsidies were unpredictable and often tied to strict eligibility rules.
A Different System in France
After moving to France for work, she enrolled in the country’s public healthcare system, which is funded through taxes and social contributions. Under France’s model, most prescription drugs are regulated by the government, which negotiates prices directly with pharmaceutical companies.
When she filled her first prescription at a French pharmacy, she was stunned. The same medication that once cost tens of thousands of dollars per year now cost a fraction of that amount. With partial reimbursement from the national health insurance system, her annual expense dropped to around $3,000.
“I thought there had been a mistake,” she recalled. “But the pharmacist explained that the price was normal here.”
Why the Price Gap Exists
Health economists say the price difference reflects how countries approach drug pricing. In the U.S., pharmaceutical companies largely set prices with limited government negotiation. Insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers then negotiate discounts behind closed doors, but patients often face high costs at the counter.
In France, by contrast, the government evaluates the medical benefit of each drug and sets a national price. If a medication is deemed essential, it is heavily subsidized. This system keeps prices stable and predictable for patients but can reduce profits for manufacturers.
“France treats medication as a public good, not just a commercial product,” said a Paris-based health policy analyst. “That philosophy shapes everything from pricing to access.”
A Broader Debate
Her story has circulated widely online, resonating with Americans frustrated by rising healthcare costs. Advocacy groups argue that her experience exposes structural flaws in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly for patients with chronic illnesses who depend on long-term medication.
Supporters of the American system counter that higher drug prices help fund innovation and research. They warn that aggressive price controls could reduce incentives for developing new treatments.
Still, recent U.S. reforms allowing limited Medicare drug price negotiations suggest that political pressure is building for change.
Emotional and Financial Relief
For the woman herself, the difference has been life-changing. Without the constant fear of medical bills, she says she can focus on her health rather than her bank account.
“It’s not just about saving money,” she said. “It’s about dignity. I don’t have to choose between breathing and paying rent anymore.”
She also noted that access to regular doctor visits and preventative care in France has improved her overall condition, reducing hospital visits and emergency treatments.
What Her Story Reveals
Experts say individual cases like hers illustrate a broader truth: where someone lives can determine whether life-saving medicine is affordable or financially devastating. The contrast between the two systems highlights how policy decisions directly affect patient outcomes.
While moving abroad is not a realistic solution for most Americans, her experience adds fuel to the growing discussion about healthcare reform and drug pricing transparency.
As countries continue to grapple with rising medical costs and aging populations, stories like hers underscore the human impact of healthcare economics. For one woman with asthma, crossing the Atlantic did more than change her address—it transformed her access to life-saving medicine and reshaped her understanding of what healthcare can be.