How can you create a comfortable environment for discussing Medicare with your parents?

Question

Norman Smith · Accepted Answer

Excellent Question. Parents often don't want to acknowledge they are getting older!! But it's a must to have a mature conversation about how choosing Medicare properly is vital for the back portion of their lives.

Medicare, like so many Health Insurance programs, has variations from year to year. It's important to not assume that we know all there is to know about Medicare and how those choices could affect your future - POSITIVELY OR NEGATIVELY!  Whether it's turning 65 shortly, retiring, or being affected by a change of life scenario, etc., finding a PROFESSIONAL who can demonstrate patience and understanding, while helping calm the "fear of the unknown", and prepare them for this journey has to be a priority. It's important now because there is no Underwriting at this time, where there will be when their Open Enrollment period has ended.

Assisting your parents for you has to come from a calm discussion that lets them know you care about how they approach their future. Without healthcare, all their plans for this time of life that they've saved for could be absorbed by getting the wrong plan. It could also lead to a situation that causes them to encumber family members, take from savings and investments that were meant to go to other places, and detract from their quality of life. Let them know you want the best for them and their health, and with these facts in mind, guide them to bring a professional they can meet, preferably face-to-face, so that they are comfortable in the trust of this choice and the service they may need moving forward.

Larry Dalton · Answer

This situation can be incredibly challenging, and I can relate deeply as I've experienced similar moments with both of my parents. It's so important to approach them with kindness, avoiding any demands or pressure, as accepting their current reality can often be difficult. Listening attentively to what they’re feeling and saying is crucial, and sometimes having someone outside the family that they trust can make a significant difference in how they express their thoughts in this conversation. 

At this stage of life it’s vital to protect both their health and their assets. Understanding Medicare can be quite confusing, especially with the complexities created by the government and unfortunately, by some individuals who take advantage of the system. 

These decisions could take time and come with its share of anxiety, so it's essential to prepare yourself when discussing your parents' insurance coverage.   Try to get them to look at Medicare with a mindset that focuses on providing them and their love ones the ensure that their health coverage will be met for their remaining years.  Remember, compassion and support will mean the world to them during this time.

Melonie Wood · Answer

I leave it up to the member where they would like for me to meet with them, usually at their home, or a convenient place they are comfortable with

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

It’s not like asking them to give up their cat or go to a nursing home. I’m 66 and on Medicare.  Just have a conversation.  Start out by maybe asking “what do you know about Medicare ?l.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

The best discussion tool is the most recent version of the Medicare and You Handbook. If you are enrolled in Medicare and do not receive the Handbook in the mail, simply download it from the www.Medicare.gov website.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on March 4, 2025

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

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Anthony Castelluccio · Answer

Let them know there has many changes and updates to Medicare through the years. I meet with many people turning 65 and help them with the transition to Medicare and offer my services to help family members with the same service. We all know most people don't like change, and the 65 year old that i met with parents are probably 85-95 and I offer to sit with them all together to review they're parents situation. Sometimes they are in the best position they could be, but sometimes they could have similar or same coverage for much less money.

Answered by Anthony Castelluccio on April 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, DE, MD, NJ & VA

Answered by Anthony Castelluccio Medicare Insurance Agent

Alan Faerber CFP® CRPC® · Answer

Find a private, relaxed setting for an uninterrupted conversation. It's important to have a time and place where you and your parents can openly discuss their Medicare options without distractions.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Naturally, the answer to this question will be different for every family. However, I will attempt to set the stage for a calm (and maybe distasteful topic) as those in my age category have gone through this both with my widowed mother when she was alive, as well as with my own grown children who now have their own kids.

Probably the most likely setting would be when all children have gathered together for a special event, either an anniversary or if a few birthdays that are close to each other and one child possibly lives far away and flies into your town for the grand celebration.

Once everyone has eaten (a barbecue?), they will be more likely to want to "rest". This is the time when you can modulate your voice to mention in a tactful way what your estate planner or close friend has suggested this session as the best means of declaring your wishes. It should be a soft-spoken voice which enunciates clearly and definitively exactly what you've signed as your last will and testament/estate plan. Setting this stage should not cause anyone to raise their voices in order to make a point. Tell them that your wishes have already been reduced to writing in a loose leaf book of pages consisting of all of the legalities which are a part of this extremely important and noteworthy event.

Gregg Matheny · Answer

If you come from a place of love and concern for your parents then you’re starting off correctly. Another very important part is to have a broker with you that can speak very clearly and explain answers very simply. Medicare can be difficult, so presenting an environment in which Medicare can be simplified and questions can get answered is a good scenario.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

John L Herman Jr · Answer

Start by reaching out to an Independent Broker who lives in their area.  Set up a phone call to let the Parents know there is professional help AT NO COST TO THEM.  It should be obvious that getting the right Health Care Plan is a cornerstone to peace of mind for all concerned.

An Independent Broker would be willing to meet with the family not just by telephone, but also at a Senior Center or a Public Library or even the local DUNKIN DONUTS…and never charges a fee for their advice.

Aaron Solomon · Answer

If I am talking to my parents, I know they life situation. I know if the are working or retired.
If they are during 65, I think we should have a meeting about Medicare and taking social security.
I will listen to them. I will add infomation to help their decsion making. I will accept their decision,

Rene Casanova · Answer

Have the discussion at their home where they're comfortable.  I make it a point on my first visit  with all my clients to meet them at their home.

Fred Manas · Answer

Listening to their concerns and offering reassurance will make the process less overwhelming for them. Put yourself into their shoes. Imagine what it's like. This empathy will not only make the process easier for them but also strengthen your bond with your parents.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Ross Landon · Answer

Medicare seems complex, but you only have to decide between two types of plans, Medicare Advantage Plans  or Medicare supplements.

 A knowledgeable Agent can explain it easily in a no pressure setting, and you will know what feels right for you & your family.  It can be quite simple & you will feel good about your choices!

How can you create a comfortable environment for discussing Medicare with your parents?

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How can you create a comfortable environment for discussing Medicare with your parents?

Agents: Share Your Expertise

Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Medicare Agents HubA non-government resource website

Medicare Agents Hub
A non-government resource website