LAW 5537: Medicare and Medicaid Practicum - 2171

Medicare and Medicaid Practicum
Class Term:
Fall Term 2016-2017
Catalog Number:
5537
Class Number:
29386
Class Schedule:
Wednesday
5:30 pm
8:20 pm
Room:
LAW G46
Type:
Practicum
Credits:
2 (1 Contact, 0 Field)
Graduation Requirements:
Professional Skills
Experiential Learning
Priority:
Limited Enrollment - 3rd Year Priority
Full Year Course:
No
Category:
Standard Courses

Additional Information

Students may enroll in this course for either the fall semester, or the fall and spring semesters (but not the spring semester alone). Registration for both semesters is preferred, and preference in enrollment will be given to students who enroll in both semesters. The fall semester focuses on introducing the students to the concepts, structure, function, and vocabulary of the Medicare and Medicaid systems and emphasizes the development of client counseling skills. By the end of the fall semester, the students will be prepared and should be confident to tackle the more complex and difficult cases that they will receive during the spring semester.

Grading Details

Attendance and Participation in client counseling = 50% of grade
Since this is a practicum course, a significant portion of the grade is dependent upon being present for the scheduled rotation sessions and the student’s actual participation in the counseling process.  Elements for evaluation: did student fulfill required attendance hours; did student accept and complete all counseling assignments; did student follow the client counseling protocol for each counseling session; did student correctly and completely maintain a client file for each counseling assignment, or properly up-date existing client files.
Final Paper = 50% of grade

The final paper will pose two fact scenarios: an individual newly enrolling in the Medicare System, and an individual already enrolled in Medicare that is trying to navigate through a specific coverage situation. Based on the details presented in each fact scenario, the students will describe how they approach counseling each individual and the recommendations they would make to resolve the client’s situation. Open Book – students may use any notes, printed material or internet web material to answer questions.

Description

Any lawyer who anticipates a practice that includes Elder Law, Poverty Law, Health Law or Insurance Law needs to have a fundamental understanding of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Over 48 million individuals are currently enrolled in Medicare; over 40 million individuals are currently enrolled in Medicaid; and over 10 million are enrolled in both. For individuals 65 years and older, the costs of accessing health care and prescription medications represent, on average, more than 20% of their gross annual income. Beyond that, Medicare and Medicaid are significant national institutions that account for large percentages of federal and states resources. The continued scope and capacity of these programs represent fundamental issues in the national political debate. This course is designed to provide law students with an understanding of the Medicare and Medicaid programs and the practical skills for using this information to serve their clients. We will examine the purpose and design of Medicare and Medicaid; the Medicare and Medicaid vocabulary; and the criteria for eligibility and enrollment in these programs.

Medicare and Medicaid Practicum