How to Choose Medicare Benefits for a Family Member or Loved One
Key Takeaways
If your parents need assistance, adults can name a personal representative of their choosing, which would make that person their health care power of attorney and their personal representative.
The most common time to change your parent’s Medicare plan is during the Annual Enrollment Period (also known as the Open Enrollment Period), which is from October 15 to December 7 each year.
If your parent is an eligible veteran, they may qualify for additional V.A. benefits and coverage.
Before you help choose a parent’s Medicare plan, it’s important to know the basics.
Find a local Medicare plan that fits your needs
What Costs are Covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers most but not all costs associated with medical and hospital services. When you enroll in Medicare, you can choose between Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or Medicare Advantage.
The Parts of Medicare & What They Cover
Does the Veteran Status Provide More Support for Medicare Beneficiaries?
For eligible veterans, V.A. benefits can be a way to cover any unpaid expenses not covered by Medicare. These services include:
- Physical exams and other preventative care
- Dental services
- Long-term in-home care
- Long-term nursing home residential care
Are you eligible for cost-saving Medicare subsidies?
What Does Medicaid Cover?
Medicaid covers low-income individuals and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). States are required to include coverage for:
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
- Physician services
- Lab and X-ray services
- Home health services
