T

he Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance plan has been grabbing mainstream media headlines, with most of the coverage centered on what beneficiaries need to know. That is understandable, given the dizzying array of choices and red tape they must sift through to make an informed decision. Also of vital importance, however, is the impact that the program will have on the long-term care facilities that serve many of the tens of millions of eligible seniors. Indeed, facilities have a lot to learn in little time.
       In this month’s cover article, “Modernizing Medicare,” Joseph Gruber, RPH, CGP, FASCP, outlines the infrastructure, costs and benefits, and implications to long-term care facilities of this historic Medicare expansion. In order to maximize their understanding of the new program, says Mr. Gruber, facilities must stress information, communication, and cooperation among various staff levels. Therefore, the multidisciplinary efficiency of long-term care facilities will be more crucial than ever.
       The article is the first of a series in ECPN that will examine the far-reaching effects of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) and Part D on long-term care facilities, the patients they serve, and the facilities with which they work. As the plan takes effect in 2006 and begins to impact your residents and facility, please do not hesitate to contact me to let me know of any questions or comments you have. We will try to address them in a future issue, and feedback from readers will help to shape the content of the articles.
       On behalf of the staff of ECPN, I hope you enjoy this issue. As always, thank you for reading.