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

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.

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.

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

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.

Bill Green · Answer

Following up with your parents after discussing Medicare can be helpful for clarity, especially since they are almost certainly on Medicare as well. However, it’s important to remember that parents often bring their own medical and financial biases into the conversation—based on their experiences, not necessarily your current options or needs. Medicare has changed significantly over the years, and what worked well for them may not be the right fit for you. Still, having the conversation can help them understand your decisions and avoid confusion down the road. It can also open up discussions about family medical history, long-term care planning, and future caregiving roles. Just be sure you’re making choices based on your situation, not theirs

Answered by Bill Green on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 19 other states

Answered by Bill Green Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.