An older adult client experiences an extended hospitalization due to a chronic illness. The client states to the nurse, "I don't know how I can pay for this hospital stay and afford all of the new medication that I have been prescribed."
Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
A) "I'll have someone from the business office come and talk to you about your bill."
B) "You need to focus on recovering and stop worrying about money."
C) "Much of your care will be covered by Medicare."
D) "Don't worry. I'm sure everything will work out okay."
Answer: C
The Medicare amendment to the Social Security Act provided a national and state health insurance program for older adults. By the mid-1970s, virtually everyone over 65 years of age was protected by hospital insurance under Part A. In 1988, Congress expanded Medicare to include extremely expensive hospital care, "catastrophic care," and expensive drugs. Ignoring the client's concerns by telling him not to worry is not therapeutic communication and does little, if anything, to confront the client's concerns. Giving the concern to the business office is merely "passing the buck." Nurses should have some knowledge about the payment sources of their clients, especially those who have automatic coverage with Medicare because of their age.
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