Do Medicare advisors work with people that have dementia?

Question

Mark Bilgere · Accepted Answer

Advisors may work with someone diagnosed with Dementia, however they may not make any changes if the person appears to not understand what is being discussed. This is one of the reasons it is important for our seniors to have a family member or friend whom they trust to help them as they get older and better still have a power of attorney set up in case they are unable to make their own decisions.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on November 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

Medicare advisors will work with people who have dementia as long as the client has a representative who has the power of attorney for the client.

For Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage quotes, contact George.

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

We can help but would need to have another person who has POA to be able to do so. The Medicare beneficiary would not be able to speak on their own behalf.

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

They should not without a family member or POA present.  Sadly too many do and take advantage of the person.

Ray McCauley · Answer

yes. in order to do so we would ask for a power of attorney from their caregiver to discuss plan options

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

Yes, an Medicare Agents can work with people with Dementia. 

If the person can no longer make decisions for themselves due to disease progression and inability to make sound decisions on their own behalf, the agent can work with the spouse/POA/Guardian, to identify the best plan and coverage for the individual. 

There are state and federal laws that protect beneficiaries and their rights in the event they can no longer make their own decisions. If there isn't a family member or designated person to act as the POA/guardian, the court can appoint a guardian to protect the beneficiary. If there is a court appointed guardian, the licensed Medicare agent will work directly with them to assess all available plans and options and determine the best Medicare program for the beneficiary.

Ellen Diehl · Answer

Well, yes, however, it would be helpful for them to have a Healthcare Power of Attorney. One danger is Advantage plan sales agents trying to switch them off of their Supplement Plan G onto an Advantage plan that is an HMO network. If you need help, please feel free to reach out directly. Contact me.

Answered by Ellen Diehl on April 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in GA

Answered by Ellen Diehl Medicare Insurance Agent

Phillip Davis · Answer

We absolutely work with people who have dementia. If you have someone in your life that helps you with decisions we would request them be there to help you make a good choice for you. At the end of the day most advisors only want you to have the best coverage for you.

Answered by Phillip Davis on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, AZ, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Phillip Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Adlman · Answer

I would not, due to diminished mental capacity. If they have a spouse or a son or daughter, I could work with them. I may consider that.

Tony Spikes · Answer

Yes I do work with customers that have dementia but I would want a family member and/ or POA present or on a 3 way call.

Paul Granen · Answer

Generally speaking, many people who do have dementia will have someone close to them with a healthcare power of attorney to make decisions. At the very least, someoen with the cognitive ability to assist in making those decisions should be present. The beneficiary or insured should be able to understand the choices being made. And if not, we as responsible agents should not move forward without someone present that can.

Answered by Paul Granen on November 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA, AL, AR & 28 other states

Answered by Paul Granen Medicare Insurance Agent

Brittany Stickney · Answer

A responsible advisor would use common sense to determine if a POA is a better method of communication, but there are plenty of folks who have dementia on paper, but still drive and take care of themselves. Everyone deserves help understanding Medicare, but brokers only know the information given to them. That said, there have been a few times where I have avoided doing an application until we can get a spouse, son, or daughter to give the green light. Unfortunately, this is up to the client being open and the broker having compassion and common sense. This is something I stay aware of and look for warning signs of before doing official business with someone.

Answered by Brittany Stickney on November 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Brittany Stickney Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

Yes, we do work with people that have dementia. However, we would strongly recommend that they have their power of attorney with them or at least a family member who can help understand what we’re talking about.

Answered by Walt Smith on March 30, 2026

Agent Licensed in NJ, NY, PA & VA

Answered by Walt Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Abigail Turner · Answer

Yes we will as long as there is someone else present who can legally help/represent the individual with dementia. As advisors, if we begin to see signs of cognitive decline in any way, we will always request someone else be present at our meetings. Ideally the individual has a POA or someone with legal authority set up but if not, we will work to find someone who can at least be a second set of eyes and ears for that person. We will NOT meet with them without a third person present.

Answered by Abigail Turner on January 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in KS, AR, AZ & 14 other states

Answered by Abigail Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Geney Ruesga · Answer

Ony if they have an assigned representative or POA who can agree and knowledge in their behalf. The Assisted would-be court approved and documented.

Armand Smith · Answer

If a person has dementia the advisor usually works with someone that has been picked to help the person with these enrollments.

Merlin Gomez · Answer

Yes, Medicare advisors can work with people who have dementia, but it usually involves a trusted family member or legal representative. If someone has dementia and is not able to make decisions on their own, an advisor can help their caregiver, spouse, or person with Power of Attorney review plan options and make sure coverage meets their medical and prescription needs. The most important part is having proper consent and authorization in place so everything is done ethically and in the senior’s best interest.

Answered by Merlin Gomez on February 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Merlin Gomez Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Yes, Medicare advisors work with people with dementia, typically by assisting trusted family members, legal representatives, or caregivers to navigate coverage. When a patient is incapacitated, agents work with a healthcare proxy or power of attorney.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on April 20, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Brown · Answer

Yes. Medicare advisors often work with individuals who have dementia, usually alongside a family member, caregiver, or someone with legal authorization to help make healthcare and coverage decisions.

Lillian Hill · Answer

Do you define Medicare advisors as licensed Insurance agents and brokers? If so, allow me to speak for the procedure of my insurance practice: My instructions are to only work with the adjudicated Power of Attorney (POA). My training advises me to discontinue engagement once any cognitive condition or issue becomes apparent, as legally this person may no longer be qualified to act as their own decision maker. 

Thank you for your great question!

🎯

Amy Jones · Answer

If someone has dementia or other memory issues, it is recommended that they have a Power of Attorney to make their healthcare decisions, as someone with dementia may have difficulty understanding any changes that they might make. If an agent knows that a person has dementia, they typically do not work directly with the person who has dementia, but will need a POA form to be able to work with a third party to help them decide on what plans may work best for the client.

Answered by Amy Jones on February 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in WV, AL, AZ & 29 other states

Answered by Amy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Donna Sanders · Answer

There are advisors that work with all individuals concerning their health coverage. The main goal is to understand your needs and provide the healthcare plans and services that best assist you in the community.

Answered by Donna Sanders on January 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Donna Sanders Medicare Insurance Agent

Kenneth Richter · Answer

No unless the beneficiary has a power of attorney. It is possible is the spouse appears to be of sound mind. Then they can assist the spouse to help them make a selection. Yet the beneficiary most be present a d give consent during a telephonic enrollment

Answered by Kenneth Richter on November 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, DC, DE, MD, SC & VA

Answered by Kenneth Richter Medicare Insurance Agent

Amber Hershey · Answer

Yes, but quite often will ask for a power of attorney or family member to be present. Legally we cannot work with someone who is incapacited or needs a little extra support to fully understand the policies that are being discussed without a power of attorney or legal representative present.

Answered by Amber Hershey on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, CA, MI & WI

Answered by Amber Hershey Medicare Insurance Agent

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Do Medicare advisors work with people that have dementia?

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