Running head: CASE STUDY NINE

Case Study Nine
Julia McGraw
Lakeview College of Nursing
N-309 Nursing of the Gerontological Client
July 16, 2011

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Case Study Nine
     Medicare Prescription Drug and the Modernization Act of 2003 are two options that these patients could use to save money.  The Medicare prescription drug plan is used to help that need financial assistance.  The person has a certain amount of money that they must pay out of pocket. Once the person has spent the set amount of money, the plan goes into action and pays the rest of the person’s bills.  Medicare part D is also available for patients who have very expensive medications. (Mauk, 2010)
     Nurses can help their patients with their Medicare paperwork and help them find the best plan that fits their needs.  Nurses can also help their patients by staying current on the financial help available in their area.  They can also help their patients by start the application process for a MAP referral. (Mauk, 2010)
     The medication assistance program (MAP) also helps the elderly that are in need of financial assistance.  It is through pharmaceutical companies.  It gives the patient certain brands of medications for free or maybe just a little bit of money. (Mauk, 2010)
     The nurse could speak with the local government and people of the community, to get assistance.  This would also the local government could direct her to other resources that are available in the county, state, or country. (Mauk, 2010)
     Many people in this clinic probably suffer from chronic diseases because of the lack of finances to seek medical help.  This would also cause these people to be frail.  They may also be suffering from inadequate nutrition.  Possible illnesses could include diabetes mellitus, COPD, and hypertension. (Mauk, 2010)

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Reference
Mauk, K. L. (Ed.). (2010). Gerontological nursing: Competencies for care (2nd ed.). 
     Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.