Can I enroll my parent in Medicare on their behalf?

You can help your parent complete the Medicare enrollment process, but they generally need to sign the application themselves unless you have a Power of Attorney or other legal authorization. I can walk you through the process and be on the call with you.

My parent is in a Medicare Advantage plan and can't see their specialist. What can we do?

If your parent is in a Medicare Advantage plan with a restricted network, the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is the time to switch. In some cases, a Special Enrollment Period may apply. Call me and I'll review their options.

My parent is paying too much for their Medicare plan. Can we change it?

Yes — during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), your parent can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Advantage to Original Medicare, or change their Part D plan. I compare every available option in their zip code at no cost.

My parent has both Medicare and Medicaid. How does that work?

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called 'dual eligibles.' They may qualify for special plans (D-SNPs) that coordinate both benefits and often have very low or zero premiums. I can review your parent's eligibility and options.

My parent is moving to a nursing home. Does Medicare cover it?

Medicare Part A covers skilled nursing facility care only after a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay, and only for up to 100 days per benefit period. It does NOT cover long-term custodial care (help with daily activities). For long-term care, Medicaid or long-term care insurance is typically required.

Life Event — Helping a Family Member

Helping a Parent or Spouse Navigate Medicare

Medicare is complicated enough when it's your own coverage. Helping someone you love navigate it — often under time pressure — adds another layer of stress. Here's how to do it right.

Get a Free Family Medicare Review Call 386-871-3858

You're Not Alone in This

Every year, millions of adult children and spouses step in to help a family member navigate Medicare enrollment, plan changes, or coverage crises. It's one of the most common reasons people call me. Whether your parent is turning 65, losing employer coverage, moving to Florida, or stuck in the wrong plan — I can help you help them.

You can attend Medicare appointments and calls with your family member's permission. I'm happy to speak with both of you together — or just with you if your family member prefers.

Common Situations I Help Families Navigate

Parent turning 65

The Initial Enrollment Period is a 7-month window. Miss it and your parent faces permanent premium penalties. I walk families through the enrollment timeline, plan options, and what to watch out for — well before the deadline.

Turning 65 guide

Parent losing employer coverage

Retirement or job loss triggers an 8-month Special Enrollment Period. The clock starts immediately. I help families act quickly, avoid COBRA traps, and choose the right Medicare plan before the window closes.

Losing employer coverage guide

Parent moving to Florida

Moving to Florida triggers a Special Enrollment Period and opens up new plan options. I help families compare plans in the new service area and make sure the transition doesn't create a coverage gap.

Moving to Florida guide

Parent in the wrong plan

If a parent is paying too much, can't see their preferred doctors, or has a plan that's cutting benefits — the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) is the time to fix it. I compare every available option in their zip code.

Compare plans guide

Spouse turning 65 while you're still working

When a spouse turns 65, they need to make their own Medicare decisions — even if you're still covered by employer insurance. I help couples navigate the coordination of benefits and avoid gaps.

Working past 65 guide

Parent with a chronic condition or complex needs

For family members with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or other ongoing conditions, plan selection is especially important. I review formularies, specialist networks, and out-of-pocket costs to find the plan that fits their specific health needs.

Schedule a review

How to Be an Effective Medicare Advocate

Gather the basics

Before any Medicare conversation, have your family member's Medicare card (or Social Security number if they haven't enrolled yet), a list of their current medications, and a list of their doctors and preferred hospitals.

Understand their priorities

Does your family member prioritize low monthly premiums, low out-of-pocket costs, or access to specific doctors? Their priorities should drive the plan selection — not the plan with the most advertising.

Know the enrollment deadlines

Medicare enrollment windows are strict and the penalties for missing them are permanent. Know when your family member's Initial Enrollment Period or Special Enrollment Period opens and closes.

Work with an independent broker

An independent broker represents multiple carriers and has no incentive to steer your family member toward any particular plan. I compare every plan available in their zip code — at no cost to them or to you.

Helping Remotely or Acting on Their Behalf

If your family member needs help but lives in Northeast Florida while you're elsewhere — or if they need someone to speak on their behalf — here are the options:

Three-way call

Your family member can authorize me to speak with both of you on a three-way call. This is the simplest option for most families.

Medicare authorization (MyMedicare.gov)

Your family member can authorize a representative through MyMedicare.gov, allowing you to access their Medicare information and act on their behalf.

Power of Attorney

A healthcare or financial Power of Attorney allows you to make Medicare decisions on behalf of a family member who is unable to do so themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turning 65 — The Basics Compare Plan Options Side by Side Common Medicare Questions Answered Why an Independent Broker Helps

Let's Help Your Family Member Get This Right

I've helped hundreds of Northeast Florida families navigate Medicare for a parent or spouse. Whether you're starting from scratch or trying to fix a coverage problem, I'm here to help — at no cost to you or your family member.

Schedule a Family Medicare Review Call 386-871-3858