Q: For the last year I have been struggling to straighten out issues with my parents' health insurance coverage and drug plans. I am an only child so naturally they turn to me for help. I have a hectic work schedule and a family to take care of, so my time is at a premium. Can you give me some suggestions to keep things running more smoothly in 2010?
A: It sounds like you could use a handy "Check-up List" to keep you organized in the major areas that impact your parents' lives. There will be flexibility as to when some tasks are completed, while others will have a specific time frame. Use this list to stay on target, but try to encourage your parents to take some responsibility and not totally rely on you.
Health insurance plans should be reviewed every year to determine if the current plan continues to be their best option. Generally in the fall, the plan should be sending information packets to all members informing them of any changes for the coming year. If any changes in premium or coverage would create a financial burden or leave them with inadequate coverage, it would be advisable to consider a different plan.
The cost of prescription medications is a real concern for many older adults living on a fixed income. Medicare D open enrollment takes place annually from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. Formularies (lists of covered drugs) should be reviewed to ensure most current medications, or at least the more expensive medications, are covered. Plans do change from year to year; there may be an alternative drug plan that would provide better coverage.
Update a medication list and medical history for each of your parents following any change in prescriptions or new diagnosis. This is important and saves time whenever visiting a specialist or facing hospitalization. Keep a calendar or organizer specifically to note all medical appointments so you don't get calls at the last moment because one of them forgot to remind you.
Decide along with your parents on a place to store all important documents, such as life insurance policies, wills, birth certificates, marriage license, or passports. Have a box where all paperwork to file taxes are kept: This will make it much easier to beat the April deadline. We hear stories all the time about families searching frantically for needed documents in the midst of a crisis. Also keep track of dates to renew driver's licenses, or other memberships.
Do you have a question? Contact ro@esmv.org or call 1-800-892-0890.
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. 360 Merrimack Street B#5, Lawrence, MA 01843
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Roseanne DiStefano is the executive director of Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Do you have a question? E-mail her at ro@esmv.org or write to Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc., 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843.
