Discussion: Delay care due to health care costs

My name is, and I reside at. I am studying the last year of RN-BSN Nursing at Walden University. I am also working nurse. I am writing this letter because of the decreased quality of nursing care for my patients’ pain management. Since the Lidocaine patch started not to cover by Medicaid, my patients refused for the pain treatment due to the cost burden on the medication. Nurses want to provide safe, quality care to the patients that entrust us with their lives. As a government official, I am sure that you share many of these concerns.

It is crucial that nurses understand that patients may avoid or delay care due to health care costs (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2016). Health care costs are still prohibitive to some parts of the population especially the low-income group (RAND Corporation, n.d.).Research has shown that low-income group has healthcare cost sensitivity. For example, several my patients used have lidocaine patch for their hip pain from the history of the fracture. However, since the medication was not covered by Medicaid, patients refused to take the medication due to the cost burden. Most of the home care patients are elderly and have chronic pain, and they need medication treatment for the high-quality of their life.

I ask that you support the Yes, I’m Serious Campaign. In supporting this bill, funding will be provided that will support covering the cost of pain medication especially the lidocaine patch by Medicaid in all areas of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and nursing homes, as well as in other places where nurses practice. This is a very small price to invest in the future of our nation. All individuals should have the opportunity for needed health care services in an effective and appropriate manner and not be treated due to the burden of cost. I believe that in supporting this bill, you will impact the lives of countless members of our community.

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