Why is it helpful to follow up with your parents after discussing Medicare?

Question

Alan Faerber CFP® CRPC® · Accepted Answer

Following up regularly will show your ongoing support and commitment to helping them make the best Medicare choices. This ongoing support is a crucial part of the process and will make your parents feel more secure and cared for.

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

Agent

Gary Church · Answer

They should make sure they understand their Medicare health plan, their medications are in the formulary, and their doctors are in-network. They should also know how to use the plan.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi, thanks for watching. So the question is, why is it helpful to follow up with parents after they've been discussing Medicare? It's always good to follow up with your parents when they've been discussing Medicare or the Medicare broker for a few reasons. Medicare is confusing. Most insurance agents don't understand Medicare. That's why it's really good to find somebody that only does Medicare as far as being a broker. But there are a lot of reasons to keep your eye on what their enrollment looks like. You want to make sure they don't miss any enrollment deadlines. There are details if they need specific chronic illnesses covered, all that stuff. Because if at some point you need to step in, if your parents are ill and you need to help them, you're not starting from scratch, and you can kind of get ramped up pretty easily. Hopefully, your broker will help you with that too, but not always.

Mike Alexander · Answer

You should follow up to be sure that they have met their enrollment timelines and are not being subject to enrollment penalty.
Also make sure they have enrolled in a plan that is right for them and not being pressured into an Advantage plan they dont need
Follow up just to be sure

Daniel Brechin · Answer

The children need to be invited to the presentation if the parents have any trouble making decision or have a lack of ability to understand what is going on.  I have actually stopped a presentation and spoke to senior who seem to be unable to understand fully what I am explaining.
Always,  keep your prospect attention and 
Always.    DO NO Harm.

Larry Dalton · Answer

There are many reasons to follow up on your parents’ Medicare enrollments.  Many agents do not care about the individuals; they are more focused on making the sale.  This leaves senior citizens confused and frustrated, not knowing where their healthcare is placed or whose hands it is in. 

First, you must understand Medicare's open enrollment and the benefits it offers.  Medicare supplemental plans do not need to be changed each year, but your Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans should be reviewed for updates and changes in the upcoming year.  

Always stick with a trusted agent interested in caring for individuals, not just making a sale.  Independent agents are the best and are not obligated to be part of one company.  Medicare Advantage plans require time for proper research of every drug, physician, and clinic you will use in the coming year to ensure compliance with the specific networks in those plans.  Medicare Part D prescription drug plans should be reviewed annually to ensure the drug formulary and tiers are still the same with the company you're with; otherwise, it may be time to change.  

One should never forget that navigating your parents’ insurance coverage can be time-consuming and anxiety-producing, but it is an essential process in their lives.  

Void all telephone conversations regarding Medicare unless you give them permission to call you.

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Retirees are bombarded with Call Center Sales agents everyday. Even if they signed up for a plan on or after Oct 15, they could unintentionally sign up for a new plan (change plans) and be unaware of the change. Check in with your parents periodically throughout the AEP Oct 15 - Dec 7th to ensure they receive any "new enrollment forms" or paperwork. Make one more check with them to ensure they didn't change any plans on Dec 7th. 

Lastly, help them to set up a spam call blocker on their phones and tell them to ignore any phone numbers they do not know. If their doctor or other official call comes in, a voicemail will be left for them to return.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

Following up with parents after discussing Medicare helps ensure they understand their option,have their questions answered, and feel confident in their choices.

Pamela Masters · Answer

Medicare can be complicated so making sure they understand their options, plan and benefits is important. It may take a few times of checking in for them to know exactly what their costs and benefits are.

Answered by Pamela Masters on October 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Pamela Masters Medicare Insurance Agent

Tony Capraro III · Answer

Medicare agents have people who have questions. We have the answers. What a great resource for seniors. Why is it helpful to follow up with your parents after discussing Medicare? What I like to do here at my State Farm agency on Kelly Street in Manchester, New Hampshire, is bring in the parents with the children. When I say that, you're talking 65-year-olds and their kids are usually 35 or 40. So everybody's in the same room. If the parents have any questions that they don't know to ask or are hesitant to ask, the kids will usually ask, and it just creates a great environment because the kids want to make sure that the parents are taken care of. I want to make sure that the parents understand the differences between Medicare, Original Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Part C, which is Medicare Advantage, or a Medicare Supplement to supplement Parts A and B. Anyway, we discuss all of that. I've had two of those this week. We had four of them in, two parents, two kids, everybody watching, everybody asking questions. It was amazing, and everybody walks out on the same page. Then the kids can follow up with the parents and say, "What else do you have to do?" A lot of times, the kids will get to me directly, and that works out well too. We'll be glad to help. Medicare is alphabet soup. You need to be making the right decisions for you and your family. We can make sure that happens. Let me help you. Thank you.

Jonathan Potter · Answer

When an agent talks to someone about Medicare options it can be very overwhelming for most people. It is a good idea to understand what they know and so you can help your parents and understand their coverage.

Answered by Jonathan Potter on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CA & 14 other states

Answered by Jonathan Potter Medicare Insurance Agent

Christy Jones · Answer

Medicare premiums and plans can change annually. It’s good to make sure their plan is still available and that they are covered. Big changes have affected Medicare plans and costs especially in 2025 and going forward. It’s helpful for children to make sure their parents’ medical needs (as well as their prescriptions) are covered year over year.

Answered by Christy Jones on August 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID, AL, AR & 20 other states

Answered by Christy Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Whetstine · Answer

Medicare can be very complex with Parts A, B, C, and D and if choosing a Medicare Supplement or Medigap Plan, there can be Plans A through Plan N.

Medicare plans can change from year to year.  It is important to make sure that the options continue to make sense for health and financial needs.  Sometimes, rates can go up astronomically, and it may make sense to shop around to ensure that the plan continues to make sense from a financial standpoint.

Following up can provide more peace of mind, and boost confidence that the proper decision was made that is specific to health and financial needs.  It can help reinforce key topics on the Medicare discussion.  It allows time for processing thoughts on Medicare, and address any further questions or concerns about the Medicare options.

Paul Potter · Answer

Following up with parents regarding their medicare choice is useful for several reasons. First, it can be confusing and you can help interpret some of the questions and answers that they have. How plans work with paying providers, out of pocket maximums, what is covered and not covered are common issues we go over with family members. Secondly, you get a front row seat to what is coming your way when you are eligible. It is never too late to start preparing!

Answered by Paul Potter on August 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Potter Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Firmin · Answer

It is important to check in with your parents to make sure their enrollment was completed and completed with the plan they wanted. You should check in to make sure they recieved their insurance cards and documents. That way they (or you..) don't end up at the pharmacy or doctors office without their information. A lot easier to address any issues or concerns early on verse months later. 

Sometimes the daily rigors of life can get in the way and submitting an enrollment is a lost in the daily grind. By following up you can ensure an enrollment period has not been missed and your parents are enrolled in the plan they intended to.

David Bell · Answer

It's a good idea to make sure things get done, especially with deadlines and enrollment windows. If they miss things it could have life long financial effects. Kids should be involved at least a little. As your parents get older, they may have trouble remembering how things work. Be kind and help them navigate. I will always be kind to your parents.

Answered by David Bell on April 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in ID, AZ, CA & 8 other states

Answered by David Bell Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandra (Sandy) Steffy · Answer

Following up with your parents after discussing Medicare is helpful for several reasons:

1. **Reinforcement:** It ensures they understand their options clearly.

2. **Addressing Questions:** They can seek clarification on any lingering questions.

3. **Support in Decision-Making:** Regular check-ins provide emotional support as they navigate their choices.

4. **Encourage Action:** It helps motivate them to take necessary actions before deadlines.

5. **Monitoring Changes:** Conversations can reassess their situation if their health or circumstances change.

6. **Building Trust:** It fosters open communication for future discussions about their healthcare.

These follow-ups enhance their understanding and confidence in managing Medicare coverage.

Bill Green · Answer

Following up with your parents after discussing Medicare is helpful for several reasons:

1. **Reinforcement:** It ensures they understand their options clearly.

2. **Addressing Questions:** They can seek clarification on any lingering questions.

3. **Support in Decision-Making:** Regular check-ins provide emotional support as they navigate their choices.

4. **Encourage Action:** It helps motivate them to take necessary actions before deadlines.

5. **Monitoring Changes:** Conversations can reassess their situation if their health or circumstances change.

6. **Building Trust:** It fosters open communication for future discussions about their healthcare.

These follow-ups enhance their understanding and confidence in managing Medicare coverage.

Tammera Marrs · Answer

Many clients have helped or are helping their parents navigate Medicare.  After learning more about Medicare our clients are well equipped to help their parents.

Amber Sigg · Answer

It’s helpful to follow up with your parents after discussing Medicare as the information can feel overwhelming, they may have new questions after thinking things over. Following up ensures they understand their options, haven’t missed important deadlines, and feel supported in making the decisions that are best for their health and budget. It also helps catch any details or documents they may still need to complete their coverage correctly. Lastly, it's good to follow up to make sure they felt comfortable with the process as whole, including the agent or broker they met with.

Answered by Amber Sigg on December 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO & WY

Answered by Amber Sigg Medicare Insurance Agent

Cole Amador · Answer

Medicare can be complex. A follow-up helps clear up any misunderstandings about coverage, costs, or enrollment deadlines.

Steve Houchens · Answer

It’s important to follow up to make sure that they completely understood what they were told by their agent and to make sure that if they were enrolled in a plan that they knew and understood that they were in fact changing coverage

Answered by Steve Houchens on May 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Marnie Applegate · Answer

it is important to make sure that your parents understand the plan that they chose, and that it meets all of their needs for coverage as well as financially

Sandy Nelson-Tittsworth, CMIP · Answer

It’s helpful to follow up so you provide clarity and ensure the understanding of the prior conversation. People can interpret things differently based on their backgrounds.

Lowana Richardson · Answer

I am not sure why you ask that question, but to me I guess it is because you want to see what decision they made and why?

Donald Brown · Answer

When selecting a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement plan it is difficult to remember all the information. Reviewing the benefits are important to prevent any surprises and parents know what is covered and what is not covered.

Answered by Donald Brown on February 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in OH & FL

Answered by Donald Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Following up after discussing Medicare with your parents helps ensure they understand their options, feel supported, and make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. It also allows you to address any questions or concerns that may arise after the initial discussion and to identify and help address potential gaps in coverage.

Answered by Fred Manas on April 24, 2025

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

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

can help ensure they fully understand their coverage and make informed decisions, as well as provide ongoing support and address any questions or concerns that may arise.

Mark Boone · Answer

Following up with parents after discussing Medicare is crucial for ensuring they understand their options, feel supported, and avoid costly mistakes

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

⸻

Hey! It’s helpful to follow up after talking about Medicare because it can be confusing and people often think of new questions later. Checking in makes sure your parents understand their options, don’t miss deadlines, and feel confident about their coverage.

Michael Kim · Answer

Maybe to see if your parents are aware of all the benefits out there for people who have Medicare? Maybe they might not be on the best plan for there needs? If not, I could go over the best options for them, and suggest better options.

Answered by Michael Kim on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, AR, AZ & 18 other states

Answered by Michael Kim Medicare Insurance Agent

Jim Willis · Answer

Seniors get a lot of advertising regarding Medicare and a lot of it is false ($500 food cards, free dental and vision, $250 a month give back, etc).  Help them sort out what is best and true.

Get a good Medicare Agent to go over their plans.  Find one that is ethical.  I had one client that was 86 years old that had been on a supplemental plan for 21 years with the same agent.  She had spent $128,000 and had never been to the doctor.

Get them on a good plan and make sure they follow up with well checks

Kevin Chaikin · Answer

That's a great question. Your parents are going to receive a lot of information in the mail that appear to be official government business, see many confusing TV ads and possibly be solicited on the phone by agents/companies trying to sell them a plan to benefit themselves. it is important to ensure your parents are working with a trusted agent and made a choice based on their needs, not what someone may have pushed them into.

Answered by Kevin Chaikin on October 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in VA, AL, AZ & 31 other states

Answered by Kevin Chaikin Medicare Insurance Agent

Raid Alemam · Answer

It’s helpful for several reasons 1) is to make sure they understand and review annually their benefits 2) to confirm their choice and that’s what they want.

Silvana Peacock · Answer

It is important to follow up with your parents because it helps to ensure they fully understand their options and did not feel overwhelmed and rushed

William Wheatley · Answer

Again in what context
If you are their Power of Attorney and you are signing them up or changing their plan to follow up would be in their best interest to make them aware of the choices you made for them. If the context of your question is to cover yourself a follow up with your parents may be a good way of gaining their wisdom on what worked for them. Sorry if this is not what either context covered of your question.

Tanisha Coffey · Answer

It's important to follow up with your parents after discussing Medicare so that you understand the type of health insurance coverage that they have. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans work differently. Knowing the difference between the two and which they have can help you to help them if you need to step in due to changes in finances or health.

Answered by Tanisha Coffey on March 2, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, GA & MD, SC, TX & VA

Answered by Tanisha Coffey Medicare Insurance Agent

Tyler Coleman · Answer

Medicare can be complex and understandably cause stress for Medicare beneficiaries such as parents. Following up can help them make an informed decision about their healthcare options.

Ana V. Magalhaes · Answer

Hi - I don’t quite understand the question. 
If you have parents on Medicare it’s good to follow up with them after a discussion about it to make sure they understand and have their questions addressed

Luis Mendoza · Answer

Following up isn’t nagging — it’s protecting your parents’ health, finances, and peace of mind. Parents sometimes downplay issues (“Oh, it’s fine, don’t worry”) when in reality they’re paying too much or struggling with coverage. A follow-up helps uncover those unspoken concerns.

Answered by Luis Mendoza on August 29, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Luis Mendoza Medicare Insurance Agent

Glenn Virga · Answer

If you have a son or daughter that is helping with this then they should be involved in any meeting, you have with an agent.

Dan Green · Answer

Your parents bring a unique experience and perspective that could be of value, however, Medicare has changed so much since your parents started Medicare that some information that they have may be obsolete. In the Medicare Supplement world, Plans H,I and J that included help with Prescriptions are no longer available. Plans C and F are no longer available if you turned 65 after January 1st,2020. Medicare Advantage plans are relatively new to the market. If you want your parents to be involved, invite them to the consultation with a seasoned agent.

Answered by Dan Green on April 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dan Green Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Reardon · Answer

Medicare can be very confusing. There are life-changing events that may affect their needs. It can help reassure them that they made the best choice.

Michael Pane · Answer

It is helpful to speak with your parents about their experience with Medicare and how they feel about the guidance they received from a broker or government agency.

Howell Silverman · Answer

A few reasons.
1. So you have an understanding of what your parents need and want and,

2. To ensure they enrolled, understood what they enrolled in, and are receiving what they asked for. Ideally you should be working alongside them when they enroll and if they're using a broker (which is beneficial but not required), you should also be in contact with the broker so you know who he/she is and can call and ask a question if need be. 

It not only takes a village but it takes a team and you can/should be part of it.