Helping a parent choose Medicare coverage: a step-by-step plan

How adult children can help a parent turning 65 or reviewing coverage: gathering documents, comparing options, permissions, and avoiding pressure sales.

Many people make Medicare decisions with help from a son, daughter or friend. A little preparation makes it faster and avoids costly mistakes.

Step 1: gather the facts

• Medicare card (or Social Security letter if not yet enrolled).
• Current coverage: employer, retiree, or Marketplace plan.
• List of medications with doses.
• Doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals.
• Rough income, for checking help programs (see Medicare Savings Programs).

Step 2: know the deadlines

The Initial Enrollment Period and the Medigap open enrollment period are the two windows that matter most; the timeline explains them. Annual Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7 for changes to drug and Medicare Advantage plans.

Step 3: choose the structure

Original Medicare with Medigap and Part D, or Medicare Advantage. For parents who travel, see family in other states, or want any doctor, Medigap is often simpler. For parents on tight budgets who are happy with a local network, Medicare Advantage can cost less. This comparison lays out both.

Step 4: compare and apply

Run the drug list through the Medicare Plan Finder. For Medigap, compare the same plan letter across insurers. A licensed independent agent can do this without extra cost; in Washington and Florida, one example is Maru Insurance.

Step 5: set up permissions

Medicare will only talk to you about your parent's account if your parent gives permission: call 1-800-MEDICARE together, or file form CMS-10106. Insurers have their own authorization forms. A durable power of attorney for finances and health care is worth arranging too.

Avoid pressure

Legitimate agents do not call unsolicited, pressure for immediate decisions, or ask for Medicare numbers on the first call. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-MEDICARE.

Questions people ask

Can I talk to Medicare on my parent's behalf?

Only with their permission, by phone or with form CMS-10106.

When can my parent change plans?

Annual Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, plus special situations.

Does using an agent cost more?

No, Medigap and Medicare Advantage prices are the same through an agent.

What documents do we need?

Medicare card, drug list, doctor list and current coverage details.

Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.