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Helping a parent with Medicare
A lot of people reading about Medicare are doing it for someone else. Here's how to help without taking over, and how David can work with both of you.
When to start
Medicare's first sign-up window is 7 months long: the 3 months before the month your parent turns 65, their birthday month, and the 3 months after. Starting about 3 months before their birthday month gives you time to compare without rushing.
What to gather
- Their Medicare card, or the letter from Social Security
- Their current insurance cards
- A list of their medicines and doses
- Their doctors and the pharmacy they use
- Information on any coverage from a job or a spouse's job
Can I talk to Medicare for my parent?
Medicare will talk with you about your parent's information once your parent gives written permission on Medicare's authorization form (CMS-10106), and David can help you fill it out. If you have power of attorney, keep a copy handy.
Can we meet together?
Yes. David can meet with both of you on a phone call, by video, or in person, so you can listen in and ask questions. Your parent makes the final choice.