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Medicare Basics

Tips for Caregivers

If you’re caring for an older adult, you need information, guidance, and peace of mind. We’re here to help. If you have any questions about the Medicare options offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, contact us to talk one-on-one about your unique situation.

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Helping Someone Enroll in a Medicare Plan

You may need to address some items to decide which type of Medicare plan is right for the person you are helping. If they are still working and planning to retire, have them ask their benefits administrator whether they're eligible for Medicare benefits and learn about their options.

Getting Started

Gather records and information for the person you are helping.

Legal records

  • There are certain forms that need to be signed so you can be of assistance.
  • For health insurance purposes, a CMS Appointment of Representative form needs to be filled out.
  • Speak with a trusted advisor such as your lawyer or financial planner about helping with legal and money matters.

Insurance

  • Find out what health insurance and prescription drug coverage they have now and when it expires.
  • If they have been working, ask if a retiree plan is available.

Earnings and benefits

  • Contact Social Security to confirm Medicare eligibility.
  • A close look at their finances will show the budget you will be working with. Look at earnings records including bank accounts, pension, Social Security, and retirement accounts like annuities. Also consider fixed monthly costs such as mortgage, utilities, and premiums.

Health and prescription drug needs

  • Learn about their medical conditions.
  • Will their prescription drug needs change in the future?

Should They Stay with Their Plan?

If they are currently enrolled in a Medicare plan, you will want to discuss if it’s still the best plan or if they should switch to another plan. Use this chart to confirm their decision.

Stay with Current Plan Consider Switching to Another Plan

Their plan may still meet their needs if any of these is true:

  • They don’t currently take any prescription drugs.
  • They use the same prescription drugs as last year and they are still on the plan’s formulary.
  • Their costs (premiums, deductible, copays), while different, are still within their budget.

Consider switching to another plan if any of these is true:

  • They need more coverage.
  • They need a lower-cost plan.
  • Their current plan may not cover their prescription drugs next year.

If they decide to change plans, review the enrollment periods to see when they can make the change.

Have these items handy:

  • Their red, white and blue Medicare card.
  • Information about any other health insurance they may have.
  • Bank account information if they choose automatic payment (paper bill or Social Security deduction options also available).
  • Be sure they qualify for Medicare and that they live where the plan they are interested in is available. Look at the plan choices.

Make sure the following meets their needs:

  • Medical coverage – Find a plan that includes the right level of coverage to meet their health care needs.
  • Prescription drug coverage – If they are enrolling in a plan that includes prescription drug coverage, check the formulary to be sure their current medications are listed. Remember, if they do not enroll in prescription drug coverage when first eligible, they may have to pay a late enrollment penalty down the road.
  • Financial considerations – Plans have different benefits, premiums, copays, coinsurances, and deductibles. Consider these costs and how they will impact their budget.

Enrolling in a plan

Enrollment takes place during specific times of the year.

Taking Care of Yourself

Caring for yourself while caring for others can be a challenge. Here are ways to avoid putting yourself last while being a caregiver or Medicare coach:

  • Make time for yourself. It’s okay to get together with friends or see the latest movie on your list.
  • Ask for help. You don't have to tackle all requests by yourself. If someone else offers to help with a task, take them up on the offer.
  • Spend time with family. Walking with your spouse or helping your child with homework lets them know you're there for them, too.
  • Deal with stress. Keeping workouts and meditation part of your routine will help keep you strong if demands are high.
  • Keep information up to date. Completing these forms now can help with planning down the road.

Tools and Resources

Helpful Tools and Resources

Understanding Your Medicare Choices

Unsure about Medicare options? Our guide can help. Learn about different plans, get clear answers and make an informed decision.

Download Our Decision Guide