Older Adults Navigating Medicare: When Benefits Are Denied

Karen M. Aranha, Nancy J. Bell, Charlotte Dunham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Guided by Bourdieu's theory of practice and symbolic violence, this qualitative study explored experiences and perceptions of elderly beneficiaries who had been denied rehabilitation services by Medicare. In semistructured interviews, 12 beneficiaries or family members told of the physical, psychological, and financial consequences of service denial/termination. The resulting perception of Medicare was as a cumbersome, difficult to negotiate system. Findings have implications for future research on service denial and indicate the need for better communication with, and support of, consumers by health care professionals when this occurs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)146-163
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Gerontological Social Work
Volume56
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bourdieu
  • Medicare
  • benefit denial
  • elderly
  • health care
  • policy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

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