...the only differences between non-generic drugs (the famous ones) & generic ones are TIME, DRUG NAME and, of course, PRICE.
I think the pharmaceutical companies get 10-12 years before they go generic to recoup research, development, focus groups, marketing, advertising, etc. costs.
With Medicare Part D it's the difference in me paying $2.40 or $6 co-pay for a Rx... either way, remarkably affordable! No idea how much it is with private insurance companies, or how these cancer drugs are charged.
It doesn't matter how good healthcare in the US is or how great the drugs are if people can't afford them.