If I'm already my mother's Power of Attorney, do I still need that other document to speak to Medicare on my Mother's behalf?

Asked by mrtvz64  |  Oct 18, 2011

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Ross Blair, Oct 18, 2011

Ross Blair is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of PlanPrescriber, a website that makes it easier for seniors and their caregivers to select and enroll in the best Medicare products for their specific needs.

 

@mrtvz64 - This is a great question that we get all the time in our call center. Thanks for asking. The short answer is that you need to have a Medical POA.
The Medical or health care power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that designates you — referred to as your mother's health care agent or proxy — to make medical decisions for her if she can't do that for herself.
These Medical POAs are different from a power of attorney that authorizes you to make financial transactions for your mom.
The Mayo Clinic has a nice article on their web site that outlines the different documents you should have. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/living-wills/HA00014
I hope that helps!
Ross

 
 

yellowfeever

Give a Hug

Oct 18, 2011

If you have Durable POA then that gives to the right to speak on you parents behalf. You will have to submit a copy for there records. And depending on there procedure there might be a waiting period so POA documents can be reviewed. If you have just a simple question for medicare they should answer you directly without POA. I recently call medicare and inquiried about mom's Hospice I gave them moms info and introduced myself and they answered what I needed. However, If it is bill related or something more personal then they will probably want Durable POA proof. But they will tell you if they do or not. So give them a call make sure you have moms medicare card in front of you, her DOB, Soc. sec#. Like I said they might be able to help you based on questions asked w/o POA submitted.

 
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