Helping a Parent with Medicare Coverage

As your parents get older, you may find yourself stepping in to help with everything from daily tasks to healthcare decisions, including their Medicare coverage. Knowing where to start can make all the difference. From understanding plan types to comparing options and enrollment periods, Medicare decisions can feel like a lot to take on, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. When supporting an aging parent, it is important to keep in mind that help is available and support is out there.

In this article, we'll provide guidance on how you can help a parent with their Medicare coverage and ensure they have the appropriate and affordable healthcare protection in place.

How to Start the Conversation

Although it can be difficult for everyone involved, the best way to support an aging parent is by having a meaningful conversation with them and determining their exact needs. They may be resistant initially, but if they are not in danger or at risk, taking the time to have multiple discussions can make any transition more manageable. Be sure to approach the conversation with empathy and patience, recognizing that discussions about their personal health and health coverage costs can be emotional and complex.

Why It's Important to Get Involved

Navigating Medicare choices properly can significantly impact both the health and financial well-being of seniors. With various types of plans available, such as Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap plans, and prescription drug coverage, making the right selection is crucial. Seniors often face challenges during the enrollment process, such as understanding the differences between each plan, determining their healthcare needs, and evaluating costs. Additionally, the complexity of coverage options can lead to confusion, potentially resulting in missed deadlines or unsuitable plan choices, ultimately affecting their access to necessary healthcare services and increasing out-of-pocket expenses.

Establish the Needs of Your Parents

What types of benefits are needed when it comes to healthcare? What is important to them?  Communicate with your parents so they feel like you are helping them, and they have input on the decisions being made.

It is becoming more and more common for adult children to help their parents make these crucial decisions. By having an experienced licensed agent at your side to assist in navigating all the Medicare health insurance options, you can have more peace of mind in these decisions. 

How to Help a Parent with Medicare

It can be a lot of information to process when it comes to supporting your aging parents in their healthcare decisions. Senior health insurance and Medicare can be confusing. Finding a sound plan for your parents can present a lot of pressure to ensure all their medical needs are met.  

Understanding what Medicare is and how it works is helpful in supporting your parents in these decisions. Attending a free Medicare 101 educational workshop can help you get a better understanding. At Twin City Underwriters, our Medicare seminars cover enrollment timelines, how to apply for Medicare, the different parts of Medicare, what is covered and more! 

It can be helpful to complete an Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information form. This is a form for your parents to complete so that you can help on their behalf with Medicare. Keeping the lines of communication open between all parties is essential to successful planning and decision-making.

Why Medicare Education Matters for Making Informed Choices

Understanding the Basics of Medicare

An important part of helping your parents with their Medicare coverage is understanding the basics. There are several different parts to Medicare

Here are a few resources to get you started:

What is Medicare Part A and What Does it Cover?

Medicare Part B: What Does it Cover?

What’s the Difference: Medicare Advantage Plans vs. Medicare Supplements

What is Medicare Part D?

Ways You Can Support the Enrollment Process

Helping your parents with Medicare can be challenging if you don't know exactly how to assist them. There are many ways you can support them in the process of choosing and enrolling in a suitable Medicare plan.

Here are some ways you can best support your parent in the process:

1. Attending Medicare workshops together
2. Comparing plans and coverage options together
3. Helping with applications and deadlines
4. Joining them for appointments with a licensed Medicare broker

Find out more about the Benefits of Working with a Medicare Broker

Resources That Can Help You Help Them

Navigating Medicare for a parent can feel overwhelming, especially with so many plans and benefits to consider. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right information and support, you can help your parent make confident, informed choices.

Contact Twin City Underwriters with your Medicare questions at any point in this process. We have a team of agents that can help answer your questions. As insurance brokers, Twin City Underwriters represents multiple insurance companies. We can help you look at options and choose the one that suits your needs.

This is an updated blog that was originally published in 2022. 

Choosing a Medicare plan can be difficult. Working with an insurance broker can help you find a plan that fits your needs. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our insurance brokers to get your insurance questions answered!