What are some ways to ensure your parents feel supported during the Medicare decision-making process?

Question

Linda Bolan · Accepted Answer

Navigating Medicare can be confusing.  Having someone come in a talk with parents and have a family member present at the meeting so everyone understands the basics of Medicare is vitally important.  

Plan options and going over the plans and comparing them is extremely important to find the plan that best fits their needs.

It's important that if a Broker comes in to talk with the parent they are simplifying the process and giving adequate time for discuss and questions at the same time building trust that the Broker has the client's best interest at heart.

Larry Dalton · Answer

I believe that you should never push anyone into making important decisions about Medicare insurance. The decision should be made after an individual is comfortable with the answers to their questions and has done essential research on the plans to ensure proper coverage and budget, as well as meet the family's long-term goals.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Moore · Answer

Children rarely assist during initial Medicare enrollments around age 65, but they often step in later when parents are switching between Medicare Advantage plans or modifying Part D coverage. Their involvement in those later years aids in understanding plan benefits, changes, and features, ensuring parents fully comprehend their choices. I recommend they collaborate with a well-respected, trusted advisor whose expertise brings clarity and reliability to the decision-making process.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Capraro III · Answer

What a great question. WE do a "family" meeting where we bring in the kids with the Parents! Medicare decisions are so important and can truly have a huge impact on Seniors AND their families! WE help folks everyday with these huge decisions! So glad you're in their corner!

Answered by Tony Capraro III on March 27, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH

Answered by Tony Capraro III Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Be with your parents when they meet with an insurance agent to discuss Medicare plans/supplements and their various options. Be sure to ask if their desire to travel out of state or out of country (if applicable) will impact or be impacted by their choice of Medicare plan/supplement.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on March 4, 2025

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

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

James Carlson · Answer

You are welcome to call for better clarification.  I can send information about both drug and medical coverage.

Robert Pennington · Answer

Hooking them up with a Medicare Broker and Advisor that can share more than one Plan and properly fit the best Plan to meet their needs.

Charles Fletcher · Answer

Supporting your parents through the Medicare decision-making process can make a big difference in their comfort and confidence. Here are some practical ways to help:

Sit Down Together: Take time to go over their options with them. Look at plan details—coverage, costs, and provider networks—and talk through what matches their health needs, like frequent doctor visits or specific meds.

Simplify the Jargon: Medicare can be a maze of terms like "Part D," "deductibles," or "out-of-pocket maximums." Break these down into plain language so they’re less overwhelming.

Ask Questions: Encourage them to share their worries or priorities—what’s most important, like keeping their current doctor or managing drug costs? Listening helps you guide them better.

Research Together: Look up plans on Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE with them. You could also check reviews or forums for real-world experiences with plans they’re eyeing.

Be Patient: This can feel stressful or confusing for them, so keep the tone light and give them space to process without rushing.

Double-Check Deadlines: Help them mark key dates, like the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), so they don’t miss out on making changes.

Offer a Second Opinion: If they’re unsure, suggest talking to a trusted friend, a doctor, or a free Medicare counselor (like SHIP—State Health Insurance Assistance Program) to back up your advice.

Consider using an Insurance Broker:  Brokers can help you do all these things and provide important perspective because they work in the world every day.

Small steps like these show you’re in their corner, which can ease the pressure and make the process feel less like a solo mission.

Vincent Esposito · Answer

Have a conversation.  Let them know that your there to help if issues arise.  Explain to them what happens during AEP (Annual Enrollment Period) and what options they have.

Karen Boudreaux · Answer

Finding a good agent that’s been in the business for several years. It’s very important to have somebody assist while making the decision around your Medicare options.

Samantha Jellison · Answer

Be sure to discuss with them abe understand what is important to them regarding their plan. 

Do they want to travel? Do they want to remain with their current doctors? Are their prescriptions covered on the formulary? What type of coverage is important to them? What type of budget are they working with? If they can no longer afford the costs of their healthcare, will they qualify for assistance or will the family be able to support them?

Working with a licensed agent/broker is a great way to ensure those difficult questions are asked and addressed.

Danny Radisewitz · Answer

Communication is key! Be a good listener and ask them frequently  " How do you feel?"
Be understanding! Considering retirement, enrolling in Social Security and Medicare can be overwhelming.

Soledad Ramirez · Answer

Working with a local agent as we do NOT charge for our services - we are certified, licensed and trained on all products and can provide unbiased options and in-depth information that is very valuable.

Answered by Soledad Ramirez on March 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NV & WA

Answered by Soledad Ramirez Medicare Insurance Agent

Don Hudson · Answer

Medicare is personal health insurance for each individual. It's important to discuss all your previous heath conditions and future conditions you may see approaching in the near future. 
On example maybe: (Planning on a surgery in the coming year).

Kevin McIntire · Answer

One way to make them feel supported is to listen to what they value most in a Medicare plan and look for plans that support those values. Also, attend their Medicare appointments with them. I find that gives them more peace of mind.

Answered by Kevin McIntire on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & OH

Answered by Kevin McIntire Medicare Insurance Agent

Taylor Langlois · Answer

I'd say the best way to assist any family member when making any decisions is to do what we do: listen to what the major concerns are, walk with them through their options, and give them confidence so that they're doing what's best for them.

Answered by Taylor Langlois on March 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in KS, CO, MO, NE, OK & TX

Answered by Taylor Langlois Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

Being involved in the decision-making process. Offering support but giving them the power to decide.

Mark Slemons · Answer

First, it's knowing that the reason you chose to work with an independent agent is that they will be available to answer questions. Can you think of anything worse than selecting an agent and then you can never speak to them again once the sale has been made? Unfortunately, this happens in call centers all the time - you can't speak to the same person twice. Second, don't rush - taking the time to listen to the client before offering proposed solutions is critical to establishing a feeling of trust. What's important to them? What do they like and what don't they like about previous coverage they have had? Have they had a great experience, or a poor one, with any particular carrier? Finally, it's important to know that your agent will take into account your needs and advise you based on your circumstance. Is the agent willing to tell you that you shouldn't change a plan because it's a good fit? Is the agent willing to direct you to a plan that won't generate a commission because it's the option that makes the most sense? Doing the right thing for the client ALL the time helps a client to feel supported during the decision-making process.

Answered by Mark Slemons on March 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CO, FL & 14 other states

Answered by Mark Slemons Medicare Insurance Agent

Alan Faerber CFP® CRPC® · Answer

Let your parents know you're there to support them during this potentially confusing time of making decisions about complicated benefits. Listening to their concerns and offering reassurance will make the process less overwhelming for them.

Answered by Alan Faerber CFP® CRPC® on February 11, 2025

Agent Licensed in UT

Answered by Alan Faerber CFP® CRPC® Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

I encourage adult children, friends, neighbors and family members of any Parent/Medicare recipient to join in on the Medicare decision-making process.

Michael Pyers · Answer

Careful planning to make sure that the Medicare Recipient has the best fit for their needs.
We have software that shows carriers current rates, history of rate increases, Planned rate increases and the Carriers Medical Loss Ratio, which could signal a coming rate increase. 
Financial rating of carriers are only a part of the equation have seen Carriers that are rated A with a negative outlook. Watch out!

Shelly Hefley · Answer

By using a local agent that you can meet with and contact when you have questions.  Trying to do it yourself can sometimes work but if you aren’t confident in your knowledge, it can backfire on you.

Gretchen Morris · Answer

Have them talk with a local dedicated Medicare Broker professional.  It helps to have a guide through this process who can answer their questions directly based on their situation.

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Having a Medicare agent as a subject matter expert is important to maintain consistency.  This will also help protect Medicare recipients from fraud.  

Being a Medicare agent and having a relationship for the lifetime of my clients is a privilege and honor.  The client always knows they have someone to turn to with all their insurance needs.

Brian Krantz · Answer

Sit with them, listen to their concerns, and don’t assume what’s best without understanding their needs. Bring in a Medicare expert to explain the options clearly — it takes the pressure off you and helps them feel confident they’re making the right choice.

Answered by Brian Krantz on March 25, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY, AK, AL & 48 other states

Answered by Brian Krantz Medicare Insurance Agent

Aisha Saleem · Answer

Making sure your parents have all the information and options available to them with an accurate assesment of their expenses and lifestyle is a great way to make sure they feel supported in the Medicare decision-making process.

Answered by Aisha Saleem on March 13, 2025

Agent Licensed in MD & FL

Answered by Aisha Saleem Medicare Insurance Agent

Jill Belvin · Answer

Provide extensive education on the types of coverage and plans available and do not rush them to make any decisions.

Debra Weber · Answer

I always assist my mother after my Dad passed away. I want her to understand completely what her coverage is and any co-pays and deductibles.

Betty McCarty · Answer

First you need to Make sure you are well-prepared: Before discussing Medicare, take the time to learn about the different parts of Medicare (Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D) and their coverage options. Your parents will tend to trust you more if you are knowledgeable.

Second: Find out their needs, and hear their concerns. Your parents may have needs and concerns about healthcare, costs, or changes as they age and drug coverage. 

Third:  Suggest looking into specific Medicare options for them, such as Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap, or Part D drug plans, so they feel they’re making an informed choice. Researching together can reduce any anxiety they may feel about navigating complex details.

I also recommend getting an advocate, a Medicare agent in your area. They can advise your parents and with the above tools, you’ll be able to tackle the topic of Medicare with your parents trust and knowledge they are making the right decisions. I hope your Medicare journey is enlightening and as carefree as possible