Medicare Part D

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that in the past few decades, the reduction of available Medicare funds in the US has emerged as a significant concern for taxpayers, elderly individuals, and government agencies alike. The writer points out that as a result, Medicare has often been a target for reformers in the past few years; however, as the aging population increases, so does a greater sense of urgency. In response to this growing crisis, the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 created a new and complex universal prescription drug entitlement, called Medicare Part D. This paper analyzes the basic contents of the Medicare Part D legislation, including the role of private groups and the implications of the drug subsidy for the nursing practice.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview and Content of the Legislation
The Role of Private Groups in the Drug Subsidy
Nursing Implications of Medicare Part D
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The benefits of Catastrophic Coverage vary depending on income levels, and extra-help programs are available based on financial need. Medicare Part D has been considered a complex plan for seniors as a result of the manner in which it works and the gap in coverage. This is complex for seniors because research indicates that the majority of needed prescription drugs by seniors fall into the gap in coverage bracket. Therefore, the major criticism of the drug subsidy is that it only truly assist seniors that either do not need very many prescription drugs, or those that are considered catastrophic coverage insured's. As a result, the bulk of this population is left to deal with paying out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. Additionally, the plan is complex for seniors because the true cost of the drug entitlement expansion is unknown, and estimates could be understating the real cost."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Antos, Joseph. (1997). The Magnitude of the Financial Crisis in Medicare. CBO Testimony. Retrieved March 26, 2007, from http://www.cbo.gov/showdoc.cfm?index=25&sequence=0.
• ASCP. (2005). Hospital Based Long-Term Facilities and Medicare Part D. Retrieved March 27, 2007, from http://www.ascp.com/medicarerx.
• National Center for Policy Analysis. (2004). Health Care: The Real Medicare Crisis Ahead. Retrieved March 25, 2007, from http://www.ncpa.org/prs/rel/2004/20040604bnr.htm.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2006). Medicaid's Milestones. Retrieved March 26, 2007, from http://www.cms.hhs.gov/History/.

More papers on Medicare Part D:

• Term Paper # 138582 : "Impact of Medicare Part D"
• Term Paper # 114234 : "The Medicare Part D Program"
• Analytical Essay # 114225 : "Medicare Part D"

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