Durable Power of Attorney
In order for your agent to deal with Medicare or another health insurance company, even a properly drafted Health Care Proxy is typically not enough. In many circumstances, a Durable Power of Attorney is required in order for a third party to speak with these companies on your behalf. A validly executed Power of Attorney will allow you, the Principal, to designate an Agent to act on your behalf and virtually step into your shoes with respect to all of your matters. The HIPAA can facility the exchange of information between your healthcare providers and health insurance companies with your agent.
If you want to ensure that your designated agent has the ability to communicate on your behalf there is a few steps that you can take now in conjunction with getting your estate planning documents in order. If you are enrolled in Medicare there is a simple way of getting your agent on file. If you visit here, you are able to fill out an electronic form in order to make sure Medicare will speak to your agent in the event of your incapacity. Additionally, if you have other insurance or supplemental insurance, call the individual company and find out how to get your agent on file.