Helping a parent compare Medicare plans

Start with what matters to them

Before you look at a single plan, ask your parent what they care about most. Keeping a certain doctor? Low monthly cost? Fewer surprise bills? Being able to see doctors while visiting family in another state? Their answers will tell you which trade-offs are worth it.

Set aside an hour together during Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7, 2026). Changes made then start January 1, 2027.

What to gather first

Their Medicare card (you'll need the Medicare Number), and the card for any plan they have now.

Their current plan's Annual Notice of Change, which arrives in September. Our guide on reading the Annual Notice of Change shows what to look for.

A list of every prescription, with the dose and how often it's taken. Include inhalers, insulin, eye drops, and anything filled by mail.

The pharmacies they use, every doctor and specialist they see, and the hospitals they'd want to use. Note any surgery or treatment already planned for next year.

Any other coverage they have, such as a retiree or union plan, or Medicaid. It can change which choices make sense.

Getting permission to talk with Medicare

By law, 1-800-MEDICARE needs your parent's permission in writing before it can share their personal health information with you. The form is called “Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information” (form CMS-10106).

Your parent can submit it online by logging in to their secure Medicare.gov account, which Medicare says is faster, or mail the signed form to 1-800-MEDICARE Written Authorization Dept., PO Box 1270, Lawrence, KS 66044. On the form they choose who can get information, whether to share any information or only some (for example, plan enrollment or claims), and whether the permission lasts indefinitely or only between set dates. They can cancel it any time by writing to the same address.

This form only lets 1-800-MEDICARE talk with you. It does not let you make decisions for your parent; that takes a separate legal document, such as a power of attorney. Health plans and doctors' offices may ask for their own permission forms, so ask each one.

Comparing plans together on PlanScout

On PlanScout's plan comparison, enter their ZIP code and choose “Someone I help” when we ask who the plans are for. The questions then ask about them, not you. Add their drugs and doctors so the comparison reflects their real needs.

If you're not sure whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage fits them better, the coverage guide questionnaire walks through the trade-offs. To enroll, use the plan, Medicare.gov's plan finder, or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Questions to ask about each plan

Are all of their doctors, specialists, and hospitals in the plan's network? Is their pharmacy in the network? Is every one of their drugs on the plan's drug list, and on which tier?

Will they need a referral to see a specialist, or approval in advance (prior authorization) for care they get now? If it's a Medicare Advantage plan, what is the yearly limit on what they pay out of pocket?

Does the plan cover care when they travel? And if they may need a nursing home: Medicare Advantage plans usually don't help pay for nursing home care unless the nursing home has a contract with the plan, so ask the plan directly.

Pressure and scams: what plans aren't allowed to do

Medicare's marketing rules say people representing Medicare plans can't call your parent unless they're already a member or gave permission. They can't come to the home uninvited, ask for bank or credit card numbers over the phone unless it's needed to process an enrollment, or ask for payment over the phone or online — the plan must send a bill.

They also can't offer cash, or gifts worth more than $15, to join a plan; charge a fee to process an enrollment; or steer your parent into a particular plan. If someone pushes for a decision today, that is a reason to slow down.

If you think a plan or agent broke these rules, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

Free help that isn't selling anything

Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Medicare describes SHIPs as free, personalized counseling, and says they aren't connected to any insurance company or health plan. Counselors can help compare and join plans. Find your state's SHIP.

Checklist

• Ask your parent what matters most to them in a plan.
• Gather the Medicare card, current plan card, and the Annual Notice of Change.
• List every drug and dose, every doctor, and the pharmacy they use.
• Have them submit Medicare's authorization form (CMS-10106) if you'll call 1-800-MEDICARE for them.
• Compare plans together and check each doctor, drug, and pharmacy by name.
• Never give a caller bank or card numbers; hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE.
• Enroll by December 7, 2026, if they decide to switch.