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

Misty Bolt · Accepted Answer

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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

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

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!

Gregg Matheny · 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

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

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

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

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?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

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Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website