My 84 Year Old Mother Was Prescribed Volparen In A

My 84 year old mother was prescribed Volparen in a jell form by a knee specialist, who had preformed knee surgery on the same knee, approx 3 years ago. Same knee is bothering her again and she is not a candidate for another/replacement knee, due to her heart pacer, blood thinners that she is taking, When I went to pickup this medication, the pharmacist at Safeway store, asked if I was her power of attorney. I stated no I was not, although I have been picking up her medications at Safeway for years so they all know me.
Two questions: (1) Have you ever heard that Volparen Jell medication requires a Power of Attorney to pickup such medicine ? (2). Pharmacist also stated that Medicare does not pay for Volparen Jell medication. $371.00. When I looked it up on line the medicine appears to be a non-steroid med, far less harmful than the Hydro-condone she is is also taking for her pain. My mother has a "gap" insurance thru United Health Care. She is understood that if Medicare won't pay for Volparen Jell, her "gap" insurance would not also. She has meet her co-pay with United Health Care, I understand we would need to notify United Health Care to has this new medication added to her list of approved list of medications for payment.
this new medication . I understand my questions need to be directed to United Health and Medicare buy I was wondering if anyone could provide some in site on the above. It would be most helpful. Regards Candice Marple