Does my elderly mother need to designate me as the person to handle a transfer on her behalf?

By Insure.com

Jul. 2, 2007

Health Insurance Forum

My mom is moving from Florida to Georgia. Her HMO operates in both states. Can she transfer? Also, she's elderly and confused by paperwork. Does she need to designate me as the person to handle the transfer on her behalf?

Judith, Georgia

Dear Judith,

I'm assuming your mother has a Medicare HMO. According to Medicare, your mother would have to disenroll from her current HMO in Florida and re-enroll in the HMO in Georgia. That's because plans in different states operate separately. The Florida State Health Insurance Program can provide additional information on how to accomplish this. See Answers to senior's health insurance questions.

Because of privacy and financial abuse concerns, the HMO will not give you information about your mother's policy unless they have your mother's permission. Consider obtaining a "durable power of attorney," a document that would allow your mother to give you the authority to make financial and legal decisions and transactions on her behalf. A durable power of attorney differs from a "general" power of attorney because it remains effective even if your mother eventually becomes mentally incompetent.

For more information, read How baby boomers can help their parents with health insurance.

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