Prescription Drugs for the Elderly

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that in an effort to improve access to prescription drug coverage for the elderly, President Bush passed an amendment to Medicare that would provide seniors with some financial relief from the skyrocketing costs of their medications. Although this legislation was aimed at improving health outcomes for seniors--ensuring that they would not have to sacrifice basic necessities such as food and electricity to afford their medications--the outcomes of this change do not appear to be having a positive impact in this particular area. Using this as a basis for investigation, this essay considers prescription drug coverage for the elderly, its impact on overall health and the problems that have been created as a result of the new legislation providing seniors with prescription drug coverage.

Outline:
Introduction
Review of the Issue
Analysis of the Issue

From the Paper:

"Synthesizing all of the data provided in this investigation, it becomes evident that while a some effort has been made to improve outcomes for seniors and improve their access to prescription drugs, the current program creates considerable gaps in accessing prescription drugs for seniors. For middle class seniors making more than 150 percent of the federal poverty limits, access to prescription drugs does not appear to be significantly improved. Seniors are still being asked to provide considerable out-of-pocket support that continues to create disparities in accessing perception drugs. As the number of baby boomers reaching the age of retirement increases-retirees will soon comprise almost one third of the population-improving access to prescription drugs appears to have significant ramifications for public health and the overall health care system."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Flaer, P.J., Donderiz, A., & Younis, M.Z. (2007). Medicare Part-D: The sea of choices meets the donut hole. Journal of Health Care Finance, 34(1), 1-7.
• Moran, J.R., Simon, K.I. (2006). Income and the use of prescription drugs by the elderly. Journal of Human Resources, 41(2), 411-432.

More papers on Prescription Drugs for the Elderly:

• Essay # 65754 : "Healthcare for the Elderly"
• Persuasive Essay # 47438 : "The Cost of Prescription Drugs"
• Term Paper # 97266 : "Substance Abuse among the Elderly"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: