Medicare is a federal health insurance program. In the United States, people who are 65 or older are eligible to receive Medicare coverage.
While the health insurance program is available to everyone, figuring out how to apply and fully understand the coverage options is not so simple. The entire process can be confusing and inconvenient for older adults. It comes as no surprise that many people turn to their adult children for help.
If your parents have asked you for help, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for a few trips to make you smarter about your parents’ Medicare. Being ready to help your parents prepare for Medicare can prove very important.
Learn About the Terms Yourself
Do you want to show and teach your parents how to prepare for Medicare? Then you should know it is important to make sure you understand all the requirements, Medicare plans, terms, and deadlines yourself first. Get started by reading about how Medicare works and all coverage choices.
You will have to learn about a lot of information and data. Remember to take the time to do this research carefully and smartly. Make notes as you learn. Some information or guidelines might not be so relevant during the initial stages of enrolling in Medicare. However, you might need these later on. You can simply take a look at your notes to ensure you’re not missing anything important or any deadlines.
It might be helpful to go through the Medicare plan every year to ensure it meets all of the holder’s needs.
Get Your Parents to File an Authorization Form
If you aim to help your parents after they begin to receive Medicare coverage, you will need to get an authorization form signed by them first. Especially if you think you will be taking an active role and assisting them with their healthcare insurance.
This authorization form is known as the “Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information” form. Once your parents sign this form, you can speak with Medicare representatives on behalf of your parents. If you do not file an authorization form, you might not be able to speak directly to a representative regarding Medicare coverage or plans.
This process will require some effort. Feel free to download the form online. Once you’ve filled it you can mail it in. The form will take some time to process. Mail it in as quickly as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Review Your Parents’ Current Needs With Them
Yes, Medicare is available to everyone. However, the federal health insurance program is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, there are many different types of coverage and plan options that your parents will have to choose from. This decision is not always so easy.
Review your parents’ current medical needs. This should be done even before you help them sign up for Medicare coverage. For instance, your parents might or might not need a Medicare supplement plan beyond the basics. This is especially important to cover additional costs for those that require prescriptions or other extra care.
It is important to understand your loved one’s needs. This will help you make smarter decisions when it comes to Medicare coverage plan options. Remember that the goal here is to ensure that your parents get the coverage and care they need. Discuss all health-related concerns with them before finally enrolling for Medicare.
The process of enrolling in Medicare is indeed a little complicated. However, the entire process can be easier with some research and preparation.
Consider Getting Expert Help
Medicare coverage plans are not usually super flexible. While the health insurance program covers services that work in your favor, it can also limit the network of providers for your parents. Moreover, not all doctor’s offices accept Medicare. You should look for Medicare doctors near you, and find any area hospitals and doctors that accept your insurance.
Medicare coverage plans could impose rules and limit access to services that many people might need. For instance, you might think your loved ones require admission to a special rehabilitation center, but such a center isn’t part of the coverage plan. Or your parents may be discharged earlier because that is as much care as the coverage plan will cover.
You probably already have a lot of questions. “Does Medicare pay for adult daycare?” Or “how can I find a doctor near my location that accepts Medicare?” After all, you should know about your parents’ plan and what it covers.
You don’t need to worry. There’s no reason to feel like you have to do all of this yourself. It’s really a good thing to ask for help regarding Medicare coverage. The best thing about this is that the government funds a resource in every state called the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). With this program, you can get free, unbiased, and confidential insurance counseling services.
There’s nothing better than sitting down and getting one-on-one assistance. So go to www.shiphelp.org and make an appointment. This might be even more useful for you if your parents are eligible for Medicaid.
Medicaid is available to people with income and assets below a certain level. If your parents are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, your expert and free SHIP counselor could help you apply for special programs. Special programs for dual eligibles are available in many states.
Medicare Doctors Near Me
It would definitely be more convenient for older patients to have a doctor that’s not so far away. It can really help if you can find good Medicare doctors near you. But that’s not all that matters. Choosing the doctors that will be caring for your parents is an important decision. It determines the quality and level of care your parents will receive.
Ask friends, and relatives, look online and identify doctors near you that accept Medicare. Consult reference sources and look for “board certified” doctors. Do some research and visit the doctor’s office to see if they can meet all of your needs. Feel free to discuss and ask any questions you might have about your parents’ needs or the doctor.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your parents’ Medicare coverage could be very time-consuming. It is as if you will take on a new job as your parents’ care manager. There’s a chance that you might not get everything perfectly right. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Remember that your efforts will bear fruit. All you have to do is be there for your parents, and the paperwork will get easier with time.
