A lot of Medicare decisions are not made by one person alone. They are made at a kitchen table, with a son or daughter reading the fine print, keeping track of the prescriptions, and making the phone calls. If you are helping a parent with Medicare this fall, a little preparation can make the process calmer for both of you.
The Window
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7. During that window, people with Medicare can generally change their Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug coverage, and any changes take effect January 1. If no change is made, coverage generally continues into the new year — under next year’s costs and rules.
Step One: Get Permission in Writing
This is the step most families discover too late. By law, 1-800-MEDICARE cannot share your parent’s personal health information with you unless your parent has given permission in writing first.
The form is called the Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information, also known as CMS-10106. Your parent can complete it online through their Medicare.gov account, or print, sign, and mail it. Medicare’s guidance indicates that an online submission generally takes effect sooner than a mailed form. Your parent can limit what you may see and can revoke the permission at any time.
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans have their own authorization forms, so ask each plan for theirs as well.
Step Two: Gather the Paperwork
Before you sit down to review options, collect:
- Your parent’s red, white, and blue Medicare card and any plan ID cards
- The Annual Notice of Change from their current plan, which explains what is different for next year
- A current list of every prescription, with dose and how often it is taken
- A list of doctors, specialists, and the pharmacy your parent uses
With those in one place, a comparison takes far less time.
Step Three: Know What Changes for 2027
Some changes apply to everyone with Part D coverage. For 2027, the standard Part D deductible rises to $700, and the annual out-of-pocket limit on covered prescription drugs rises to $2,400. A plan’s own deductible and costs may be lower; the plan’s Annual Notice of Change will show what applies.
Premiums, drug lists, and provider networks also change from year to year. A plan that fit well this year is not automatically the right fit for next year.
Step Four: Let Your Parent Lead
Your role is to help your parent understand the choices — not to make the choice for them. Ask what matters most to them: keeping a particular doctor, predictable costs, or coverage for travel. Write down their answers. If your parent has trouble making or communicating decisions, legal documents such as a power of attorney may be needed; that is a question for an attorney.
A Familiar Scenario
Linda manages her father’s medications and noticed one of his prescriptions was listed differently in his plan’s Annual Notice of Change. Because her father had already submitted the authorization form, she was able to call with him, ask questions, and set up a review before December 7. He made his decision with all the information in front of him.
We’re Here To Help!
We are happy to talk with you and your parent together, by phone or in an online meeting, to walk through the options for 2027. Bring your list, bring your questions, and bring your parent’s priorities. Reach out before December 7 so there is time to make any changes for January 1. Call us at 818-253-1736 or use the contact form on our website.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 7 organizations which offer 35 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.