Helping a parent with Medicare

You want to help without taking over. Here is how to get permission, what to gather, and where to get free help.

Last reviewed: November 11, 2026.

1. Get permission to talk to Medicare and the plan

• Medicare: your parent can give 1-800-MEDICARE written permission to talk with you, using Medicare's "Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information" (Form CMS-10106). It can be sent online through your parent's Medicare.gov account, or by mail.
• The health or drug plan: each plan has its own permission form. Call the member services number on the plan card and ask for it.
• Bigger decisions: forms like a durable power of attorney or a Florida health care surrogate designation are legal documents. An elder law attorney can help with these.

2. Gather the basics

• Your parent's Medicare card and plan card.
• A list of doctors and prescriptions. Use our doctor and drug list.
• Any letters from the plan, especially the Annual Notice of Change each fall. Our plan letter helper explains them.
• If money is tight: monthly income and savings, to check for help paying. Start with help paying for Medicare.

3. Keep your parent in charge

Your parent makes the choice. We are happy to talk with both of you on the same call, so your parent hears everything and can ask questions. Your parent needs to agree to any enrollment.

4. Watch for scams

People who help older adults are often the first to spot fraud. Watch for calls asking for a Medicare number, "free" equipment, or genetic tests. Our fraud protection center shows what to look for and where to report.

5. Free help for you, too

• Florida Elder Helpline: 1-800-963-5337 (1-800-96-ELDER). Connects you to your county's Aging and Disability Resource Center and free SHINE Medicare counseling.
• Broward County: Aging and Disability Resource Center Helpline 954-745-9779.
• More numbers: Florida Medicare help directory.

Call 1-866-340-3441 Pick a time for a call with your parent (opens in a new tab)

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Form CMS-10106 (03/2026).