Should I sign my parents up for Medicare?

Question

Gary Church · Accepted Answer

I got a question that came in: Can I sign my parents up for Medicare? Well, that depends. But it really comes down to your parents and whether or not you have authorization to speak on their behalf. Then you can. But it's really going to be up to your parents if you want to be part of it when working with a licensed Medicare agent. That would be my recommendation if you want to be there with your parents to understand what their options are. That's fine, but they have to be able to do it on their own and be able to understand what they're learning. So if you have authorization to speak on their behalf, then you certainly can.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Deciding to sign up for Medicare involves several different concerns. If you have POA for your parents, then you need to consider if they have coverage from an employer that is as good as, or better then Medicare. If not and they are 65, then getting them signed up is the thing to do. However, if you don't have POA then you are not able to sign them up or enroll them in any type of supplement or Advantage plan. The best thing to do is find a local broker who can explain the process to you and help you make the best decision for your folks.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on September 19, 2025

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

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Brechin · Answer

You may enroll your parents as long as they are present, or you have a POA for both parents.   Without that, the presentation must be made to the parents, and of course, you may help them enroll
Danny Brechin
Contact me.

Norman Smith · Answer

Well you should make sure they are doing the right thing for themselves with Medicare! 
There are almost no reasons for not taking your Part A at 65, even if you have work insurance. But if you continue to work, and keeping the work plan just makes more sense, then you have to note your election to defer your 
Parts B & D. If taking your Medicare, then it’s the election of 3 ways:
A) - Original Medicare A & B, along with a Prescription D plan
B) - Take those same parts and add a Medigap/ Supplement plan
C) - Trade those Parts for a Medicare Advantage plan - but don’t be sold on the “shiny” things, that will cost your parents down the line.

Find trustworthy, licensed professional to assist. Good luck!

John Becker · Answer

Briefly. if your parents are turning 65 and no automatically enrolled in Medicare, the best time to enroll them will be during their Initial Enrollment period. 3 months before their 65th birthday or 3 months after. 

f you are signing up your parent on their behalf, and they are not able to make their own decisions, you may need a Power of Attorney (POA) or legal guardianship documentation to act as their representative. If they are able, they can simply enroll themselves and then authorize you to access their information later.

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

Are they turning 65? If so they may already be signed up. This is not an easily answered question because there are factors involved and if they are of Medicare age they are probably already on Medicare. If they are not yet old enough, it is not an option.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on September 28, 2025

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

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Lovell · Answer

It completely depends on what covered they currently have.  It certainly could benefit them depending on what their needs are.

Robert Lukasik · Answer

You can certainly assist your parents with the enrollment process. This process can be confusing for many people and assisting your parents with the help of an independent agent is your best solution.

Esther Miller · Answer

You may assist your parents if they are eligible, but you can't sign up for them. They must participate if they are able. If they are unable because of medical or mental disability, you may do so if you have been given their Medical Power of Atty to represent them.

Answered by Esther Miller on January 19, 2026

Agent Licensed in WA

Answered by Esther Miller Medicare Insurance Agent

Donna Berube · Answer

If your parents a working and offered a group plan with 20 or more employees then you do not need to sign up for Medicare. When they are ready to apply if it's after the IEP 7 month window, then they can use the employer verification for and apply for delayed part B. I'm happy to review this information with you in greater detail.

Answered by Donna Berube on March 31, 2026

Agent Licensed in NH

Answered by Donna Berube Medicare Insurance Agent

Wagdy Saadalla · Answer

Yes, you have to, unless one of them still working and has Group policy through his employer, and both of them on the policy, that will be the only exception.

Sherry Stone · Answer

Short answer, yes. But, what is their situation? Are they turning 65 soon? Will they have health insurance benefits they get to keep as retirees? If so, sign them up for Part A - this is the $0 premium part if you paid Medicare taxes for 40+ quarters. If they'll have continuing health insurance from a former employer, you can decline Part B enrollment. If they won't/don't have any other form of health insurance, yes - help them sign up!

Answered by Sherry Stone on November 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in IA & IL

Answered by Sherry Stone Medicare Insurance Agent

Jo Gallo · Answer

Well there are considerations - do they work?  Do they have work insurance?  If so - only Part A - if you would like to contact me. - I can explain - Jo Gallo.

Corey Romero · Answer

Yeah, probably. Because, to be completely blunt, if you don’t help, there’s a good chance they’re going to end up in a plan that doesn’t fit or costs way more than it should.

I just helped my own mom with it this year, and even with all the experience I have, it still took some digging to get everything lined up the right way. We had to go over her doctors, prescriptions, what she wanted to keep, what she didn’t care about - it’s not as simple as just picking the one with the lowest premium.

If you’re not familiar with how Medicare works, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The commercials, the mail... It’s nonstop. And unfortunately, most of it’s designed to push people into plans that may or may not work for them. Sometimes the heavy sales tactics work in a way that our parents end up paying a high price to learn a lesson the hard way.

So yeah, be involved. Help them ask the right questions, or at least make sure they’re working with someone who will. Research what you can, speak to someone who is highly referred, and when something feels off - trust your gut. 

Medicare isn’t hard if you’ve got good guidance, but it can be a mess if you go in blind.

Mark Holmes · Answer

Should You sign them up?  I would need more information please.  Are they incapable of signing up themself when eligible?  Did they miss their opportunity when first eligible?  

If they were eligible in the past and did not get their Part A automatically, there may be reasons not to.  However, if they did get Part A automatically upon reaching 65 years old and did not enroll in Part B at that time, then the penalty may be substantial, depending on how long ago that occurred. 

If, they are newly eligible for Medicare, then the answer is most likely Yes.

Jason Rubin · Answer

Here are the key things to consider:
1. Are they 65 or older?
• If yes and not enrolled yet: They generally should enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – the 7‑month window starting 3 months before the month they turn 65 and ending 3 months after.
• If already over 65 and not enrolled: This can be more urgent; they may face late enrollment penalties or gaps in coverage if they wait longer.
2. Do they have other coverage now?
• If they’re still working (or covered under a working spouse’s employer plan) and that plan is from a large employer (20+ employees), they may be able to delay some parts of Medicare without penalty.
• If their only coverage is individual insurance, COBRA, retiree coverage, or a small‑employer plan, they usually should enroll in Medicare at 65 to avoid penalties and ensure primary coverage.
3. Which parts of Medicare are we talking about?
• Part A (Hospital): Often premium‑free if they worked enough years; most people should enroll at 65 unless there’s a special case (e.g., they contribute to an HSA and want to keep doing so).
• Part B (Medical): Has a monthly premium; delaying it without qualifying employer coverage can cause lifetime penalties and delayed access to doctors/ outpatient care.
• Part D (Drugs) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or Medigap may be needed depending on their health and prescriptions.
4. Penalties and costs if you wait too long
• Part B penalty: 10% higher premium for each full 12 months they could’ve had Part B but didn’t, often for life.
• Part D penalty: 1% of the “national base premium” per month they go without creditable drug coverage, also typically for life.
5. How to actually help them sign up
• Create or use their my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
• Enroll in Medicare Part A and B through Social Security (online, phone, or in person).
• Then decide:
• Original Medicare (A & B) + Part D + optional Medigap, or
• Medicare Advantage (Part C) that bundles A, B, often D, and extras.

Amy Kilber · Answer

This depends on many factors, what kind of insurance do they have now, if they have employer or retiree insurance they may be able to delay signing up for Medicare. 

It's important to involve your parents in the decision as Medicare is an individual decision, your parents should review their options and determine which plans will cover their current providers, medications, travel needs, and budget considerations.  

If your parents are turning 65 and don’t have other creditable health coverage, enrolling in Medicare during their Initial Enrollment Period is usually the safest choice to avoid gaps or penalties.

You can absolutely help with research and the application, but they’ll need to sign the forms themselves, unless you have a power of attorney and they aren’t able to make the decision.

Lynn Bement · Answer

A lot more information is needed to make the determination of this question. Like what is their age, are they currently still working if so do they have credible health coverage. Did they work to get their 40 credits

Answered by Lynn Bement on March 23, 2026

Broker Licensed in NY, AZ, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Lynn Bement Medicare Insurance Agent

Frank Carta · Answer

Of course, if your parents can trust you. I would not want my parents to trust anyone
else more than myself.

Vernon Jones · Answer

No, you personally can not unless you are POA for them and it depends on the situation of your parents

Juliette Chihade · Answer

This depends on many factors, such as :

Are they capable to make decisions themselves?
Are they 65 or older?
What about Social Security income?
Are they US Citizens?
Has any one of them been working and paying medicare taxes for 10 years?

If you need further help, please call me and will walk you through the steps.

Jason Vallejos · Answer

Depends if they qualify.  Do you have a speciifc concern or scenario? To learn how folks qualify for Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov

Leslie Santos · Answer

Absolutely, as soon as they turn 65 you must go to the nearest social security office to apply for the Part A and B or they will get penalized for life.

Janet Cruz · Answer

It depends on whether they have retiree coverage. Those with private retirement insurance typically don’t need to enroll right away. Those without it may incur a penalty for late enrollment.

Kandance Magee · Answer

If you parents are aging into Medicare (turning 65) or already eligible, yes you can assist them with signing up. There are some exceptions if they are still working, but they should look into enrolling if retiring so they don't get hit with late penalties or left with no coverage.

Answered by Kandance Magee on February 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in LA, AL, FL, GA, MS & TX

Answered by Kandance Magee Medicare Insurance Agent

David Tom Rankin · Answer

Not easily answered. What are all the options available in their situation? Are they eligible? What is their financial situation? What is their medical situation? What is the availability of the providers they need? Where do they live and spend their time? Need to discuss with the family... candidly and thoughtfully.

Answered by David Tom Rankin on October 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by David Tom Rankin Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

You can and should help your parents enroll in Medicare if they are eligible and need assistance.     Sign up to avoid late enrollment penalties and determine if they are eligible for Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which may include Part D prescription drug coverage and other benefits like vision or dental.     

contact me directly for assistance.

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

Are your parents turning 65?  Do they have a group health care plan currently?  Your best bet is to speak with a local insurance agent who sells Medicare Health Insurance plans.

Joseph Peck · Answer

Signing up for medicare is different for each person and the situations they are in. Are they still working? What plan is better? Supplement or advantage plan? All needs to be discussed so they are able to make the best decision for themselves.

Answered by Joseph Peck on March 10, 2026

Agent Licensed in MI, AL, CO, KS & TN

Answered by Joseph Peck Medicare Insurance Agent

Michelle Ryan · Answer

A person who is 65 and not an agent group health insurance plan should most decibel be enrolled in Medicare A & B as well as a prescription drug plan (PDP). There is potential for a lot of out of pocket costs with Medicare A & B alone. So I recommend meeting with a licensed agent to go over all of the options available to them.

Answered by Michelle Ryan on September 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, CO & FL, NC, SC & TN

Answered by Michelle Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Ray Rios · Answer

Are you a qualified. Broker-Agent? Do you a Medical Power of Attorney? Let me know if you need help. Contact me.

Kim Mitchell-Hargis · Answer

So the question is, should I sign my parents up for Medicare? Your parents will be signed up automatically if they're already collecting their Social Security 2 to 3 months before they turn 65. They'll get their red, white, and blue Medicare card, which will say Part A and then the date they start Part B, the date it starts. The only time you have to enroll your parents is if they are still working and not collecting Social Security. Then you'll need to go to the Medicare site and click on apply for A and B, or you can go to the magnifying glass and put in applying for Medicare A and B. Or you can go to the ssa.gov website, which will also tell you how to sign up. But yeah, your parents, you don't need to sign them up. It's automatic if they're getting Social Security. Otherwise, they will need to be signed up through the Medicare website. Or you can go into the Social Security office and apply there.

Tonya Mowan · Answer

If your parents are 65 years of age they qualify for Medicare Part A and Part B. There are circumstances where they can delay enrollment, however it is important to talk with a licensed agent in your area to understand their options. For you to be their representative you would also have to be their Power of Attorney (POA).

Answered by Tonya Mowan on December 1, 2025

Agent Licensed in AR, MO & OK

Answered by Tonya Mowan Medicare Insurance Agent

David Schult · Answer

Most people should sign up for Medicare when they turn 65, unless they have good employer insurance. Here’s the plain version:

Yes, sign them up if your parents are 65 or older and do not have Medicare yet. This avoids penalties and gaps in coverage.

They may wait if they are still working and have active employer coverage from a company with 20 or more employees. In that case, delaying Part B is usually allowed without penalty.

If they’re over 65 and not enrolled, they should enroll as soon as possible. Penalties may apply, but enrolling prevents future increases.

If they get Social Security Disability, they are enrolled automatically after 24 months.

Michael Cavanaugh · Answer

I don't know. What is their situation, ages etc. are they new to the Medicare scenario, covered under an employer health plan or some other plan.

Michele Wagoner · Answer

It is always a good option to sit down with an agent and find out what options would be good for your parents.

Mark Mullinax · Answer

That is a a question that needs to be answered with several questions. My suggestion is to find a reputable agent that will ask the correct questions of you to give you your final answer.

Jeff Linabary · Answer

You should help your parents sign up for Medicare when turning 65 and help understand the various options for signing up now or delaying the start of Medicare due to existing credible insurance with employer or spouses employer. Helping navigate their options and seeking qualified assistance can help prevent possible penalties for not applying appropriately.

Answered by Jeff Linabary on April 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in WA, ID & MT

Answered by Jeff Linabary Medicare Insurance Agent

Rebecca Loucks · Answer

Usually helping your parents sign up for Medicare when they qualify is a good idea but it also depends on if they cannot do it themselves and if you have Power of Attorney, also depends on if they are still working or not and have creditable coverage. There are several things to consider with timing in order to avoid any penalty charges. You can find detailed answers to this question on Medicare.gov or call 1800-Medicare.

Answered by Rebecca Loucks on October 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in WA, AK, AL & 6 other states

Answered by Rebecca Loucks Medicare Insurance Agent

Sheila Simpson · Answer

HWhat are the ages of your parents? You are able to assist them; however, unless you possess power of attorney, they will need to complete the process themselves through Social Security.

Should I sign my parents up for Medicare?

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