Humanities Homework Help

Case 1: Addressing Health Care System Problems—Elissa Needs Help

Elissa is 38 years old. She recently moved 200 miles from her home to a small town (population 6000) and separated from her abusive husband to escape his continuing threats and to be near her childhood friend. She suffers from chronic, sometimes incapacitating, depression for which she has in the past received antidepressant medications and counseling, with temporary relief. She has been unable to work and has no private health insurance. She is eligible for the state’s Medicaid program, however, and has recently discovered that Medicaid will cover her health care needs. Her friend refers her to the only primary care center in the area, where she is seen by Jill, one of the two nurse practitioners. As part of her evaluation, Jill discovers that Elissa was also abused as a child and has very poor self-esteem. Elissa affirms that her childhood friend is very supportive. Jill believes that longer term psychological counseling would benefit Elissa and facilitate her well-being, but she also knows that none of the counseling services within a 50-mile radius accepts Medicaid payment. Elissa has no transportation.

· •What are Jill’s options? Responsibilities?

· •What actions might Jill pursue both on a local level and on a political level? What are her resources?

· •What is the responsibility of the health-promotion disciplines in cases like this?