A 70-year-old patient tells the nurse, "I can't go to the hospital for treatment because I have no hospital insurance. My Social Security and my pension pay my living expenses, but I don't have any savings." The nurse's response should be focused on

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It is important to provide information that older adults, regardless of income, can receive federal payment for hospital and physician services through Medicare. There is not a clear need to provide information about Medicaid. It's too late to secure group health insurance for this identified health care need. In addition, health insurance companies often refuse payment for treatment of preexisting conditions. Exploring the patient's ability to purchase group health insurance should not be the initial focus.

A 70-Year-Old Patient Tells the Nurse, "I Can't Go to the Hospital