Have you ever encountered a situation where a healthcare power of attorney made a significant difference? What guidance would you offer to someone thinking about setting one up?

Question

Gregg Matheny · Accepted Answer

Yes I have, and in ALL of my experiences it was a good thing. If someone is in a position where they are able to have a loved one be power of attorney over them it usually is because they are unable to see the full picture of how to manage their healthcare. I don’t say this lightly but some of my clients can be “stubborn” when deciding what plan to get on and may see a small benefit or allowance as a good reason to select a plan while displacing the fact that there may be a deductible, lack of providers, excessive co-insurance for needed services etc.. Seeing the big picture is crucial and the person most invested in the overall health of an individual is usually most qualified to make an enrollment decision between a bad/good plan.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on July 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Hi there, Mark Bilgere with Bilgere Insurance, and we're answering some more questions here on Agent Hub. This question today is a little bit longer, but the answer is pretty short. The question is, have you ever encountered a situation where a health care power of attorney made a significant difference? And what guidance would you offer to someone thinking about setting one up?

Well, I'll actually go backwards. The guidance I would give is absolutely set one up. Every person, every senior citizen, I believe that has someone else who's going to help them at some point needs to do this earlier as opposed to later.

Have you ever encountered a situation where it was helpful? I absolutely have. My father-in-law granted power of attorney, not just for health care but for his finances and everything. To my wife, he was progressively getting worse from chronic kidney disease. He was having to go to the dialysis center, and then we started doing it at home. But he still had to go to the nephrologist office pretty often. He was having some TIAs, so we were taking him to a neurologist, of course, his primary care physician, all those people.

Not only do people sometimes not have the ability to make their decisions, they just lose interest. They honestly just get beat down by the constant medical attention and stuff that they don't want to participate in. And that was easier for my wife to go ahead and help make decisions for him at the time.

Along with that, the other thing you need to make sure you have in place is your living will. What a lot of us would call a DNR, do not resuscitate. Those things, if you don't want them to go to extreme measures, you have to let them know. Otherwise, especially first responders are required to try to help. So get those in order. You'll need multiple copies. Have one at home, have one at the specialist's office, have one at your primary care doctor's office on file there, and have one at your hospital on file there. Because if they don't have it, you can't tell them, "Oh, I have one at home," or "I have one in another doctor." They need to have it there.

A lot of those you can do online. Most states, you can find them yourself and do it. Get it notarized if you want. Most attorneys can handle that. It's not super expensive, and it doesn't take a lot of time. But if you need that confidence, they'd be happy to do that for you.

So get your affairs in order long before you need to. You can always rescind it, you can always change it. It's an excellent thing to have, get power of attorney, and it makes everyone's life easier. Thanks!

Terri Reagin · Answer

In the case of a customer with a strong preference that a family member make the decision for them, it is essential to have a power of attorney in place by Medicare's guidelines. We always say we will "get around to it" but the truth is you must make it a priority. Schedule it on the calendar and get it handled because once you are in a crisis situation, without one, your family member will need to go to court.

Answered by Terri Reagin on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Terri Reagin Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Absolutely recommend it. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states that over 70% of all Americans 65 and older will require some type of assisted care, such as long term care do to strokes, dementia, Parkinson's Disease, MS, etc. Also recommended retirees get a long term care policy to cover the expensive costs of long-term care.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on August 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Luke Rhoads · Answer

Yes, when peoples health fail, and they are unable to make quality decisions regarding their healthcare themselves having a predetermined third party assisting can make a big difference. It provides peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected, and reduces family conflicts. It also makes a court having to intervene less likely. Which can be costly an complex.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on July 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Pennington · Answer

Medical Power of Attorney is one of the best options a Senior can make. If a Senior has a life threatening medical condition or becomes mentally incapacitated and is incapable of making needed decisions for themselves, a family member or loved one can be appointed Medical Power Attorney to make their pre desired decision for them.

Answered by Robert Pennington on July 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, GA, SC & VA

Answered by Robert Pennington Medicare Insurance Agent

Angie Templin · Answer

A medical power of attorny can be helpful for a family member to have more open discussions with the patient's medical and insurance providers. In Texas, a power of attorney can be set up using just a standard form and a notary. However, this can be revoked at any time, and can be complicated if more than one family member wishes to be involved. In cases of dementia, mental illness, or serious chronic health issues, a legal medical guardianship holds more power, but requires an attorney to go through the court system.

Answered by Angie Templin on August 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Angie Templin Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

The healthcare POA is a protector hired usually due to a complaint surrounding a Medicare regulation. However, the most commonplace dilemma is when a person develops a cognitive disorder and cannot take the best of care for him/herself anymore. This will normally involve the use of a homecare aide who is hired to cook, clean, shop, etc. but is NOT an RN. This is covered by a long-term care (LTC) or a recovery care (used to be called short-term care) program. The fact is if you reconcile your checking account on a monthly basis, once a problem develops, a special accountant (CPA) is hired to watch over your expenses. This is a legal process which would be extremely helpful for you. 

But ALSO please take into account your assets (car, furniture, etc.) and if you have a significant estate and you have seen a trust attorney, that was an excellent idea. I don't believe that you'd need to do anything else along those lines since your home is possibly your #1 asset which needs to be protected. Unfortunately, there are many families that I have encountered who have a tough time with some family members; jealousies can be rampant and it's a good idea to check with other family members to investigate if there may be one member who has purposely hidden something from you which entails your own properties. But if you cannot think of anyone that fits that description, now it is time to just participate in a FREE consultation with a trust attorney to determine if your estate is truly worth protecting. But if you have very few assets, other than your car and your furniture, it might not be particularly necessary for you to consider anything more.  Good luck, though!

Diane Walker · Answer

I have been involved with one situation with a healthcare POA. In this case, it made a big difference for the better. When someone who cares about what happens to you is involved, decisions are made strictly with your welfare in mind. When considering a power of attorney, make sure all involved are on board and understand their role.

Answered by Diane Walker on October 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL & IN

Answered by Diane Walker Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

crucial legal document that designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. It can significantly impact your life and the lives of your loved ones in various situations, Preventing Family Conflicts, Ensuring Your Wishes are Respected, Avoiding Court Intervention, Providing Peace of Mind, Enabling Timely Decision-Making.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on July 4, 2025

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

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Having a power of attorney is a very smart move. My personal experience is when my parents git sick and couldn't speak for themselves. Since we had that POA in place there was no issue with getting them the care they needed.

Answered by Marcie Barnes on October 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Marcie Barnes Medicare Insurance Agent

Rich Baker · Answer

Absolutely. I’ve worked with dozens of POAs over the years who make all the decisions because the beneficiary is either physically unable to, or doesn’t understand the choices they’re making. Generally, you should consider a medical POA regardless of your situation to ensure your best interests are looked after should something catastrophic happen.

Answered by Rich Baker on December 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AR, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Rich Baker Medicare Insurance Agent

Toni Chavez · Answer

Yes, these make an extreme difference in the event you are incapacitated unexpectedly, and important health decisions need to be made. Make sure your wishes are known in the event you can't make these decisions yourself.

Answered by Toni Chavez on July 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, NM, NV & UT

Answered by Toni Chavez Medicare Insurance Agent

Alicia Tyring · Answer

When setting up a healthcare POA, make sure that you choose the correct person. Have clear open discussions about your wishes. Put your wishes in writing/paper form. Provide your copy of those wishes to the POA & any others directly involved in your care.

Answered by Alicia Tyring on November 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, AR & 42 other states

Answered by Alicia Tyring Medicare Insurance Agent

Danielle Jimison · Answer

I once assisted a family where the beneficiary suffered a sudden stroke. Because they had a Healthcare POA in place, their designated agent was able to immediately: Access medical Records, coordinate with Medicare to authorize specialized rehab , and advocate for specific treatments.  Without it, the family would have had to petition a court for guardianship a process that is expensive, time-consuming, and adds immense stress during a medical crisis.

If you are considering establishing a Healthcare POA, Choose the Right Person: Your agent should be someone who remains calm under pressure, understands your values, and is willing to follow your wishes even if they disagree with them. Be Specific: Don't just sign a generic form. Discuss specific scenarios, such as your feelings on life support, blood transfusions, or hospice care. Distribute the Document: Once signed, give copies to your primary care physician, your insurance agent, and your designated representative. A POA is only helpful if the hospital can find it when they need it.  Setting this up isn't about "giving up control"; it's about ensuring you have a handpicked advocate ready to speak for you when you can't speak for yourself.

Ana V. Magalhaes · Answer

A POA always makes an important difference on someone's life particularly because it involves decisions about healthcare. 
To set up a POA, first identify someone you trust to be your agent. Find out the specific rules/laws in your stae of residence. Complete the oficial form from your state. Give copies to your POA, your doctor, your family, and be prepared to provide one to your insurance carrier.

Glenn Virga · Answer

Personally, having one can make a difference because you give that to a person you trust instead of having a doctor going to the next of kin. This would prevent having a dispute between family members. Having a living will is better.

Answered by Glenn Virga on February 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in PA, AL, AR & 35 other states

Answered by Glenn Virga Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Cavanaugh · Answer

This all depends on what a significant difference you are referring too. The healthcare POA allows that person to make decisions on your health status/condition where you are unable to do. If a person is in poor health it may make sense.

Answered by Michael Cavanaugh on May 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL, MD & NJ

Answered by Michael Cavanaugh Medicare Insurance Agent

Kelli Callihan Ostrander · Answer

Yes, I have come across several situation in my 20 years experience where power of attorney was very important. I would advise people to get one in place before you think it is necessary. Without it Medical decisions are much more difficult.

Answered by Kelli Callihan Ostrander on July 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in VA, FL, NC & WV

Answered by Kelli Callihan Ostrander Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle Turner · Answer

Yes I have encountered this situation. It can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming when it comes to making healthcare insurance and health decisions. It made a huge difference as my client was not capable of making their own health care decisions. You're trusting someone else to help with those decisions when you have a health care power of attorney. If your considering getting a healthcare power of attorney its best to contact resources such as the aging department or the community line for your state to help you to with establishing a health care power of attorney.

Answered by Michelle Turner on June 1, 2026

Agent Licensed in AZ, ME & MI

Answered by Michelle Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Have you ever encountered a situation where a healthcare power of attorney made a significant difference? What guidance would you offer to someone thinking about setting one up?

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Have you ever encountered a situation where a healthcare power of attorney made a significant difference? What guidance would you offer to someone thinking about setting one up?

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