Financial Geriatric Tip

FINANCIAL GERIATRIC TIP

Rosanne Grande, CFP^®,
CSA, RFG^sm
Managing Director

Medicare Patient Advocate
by Rosanne Grande, CFP^®, CSA, RFG^sm

As a follow-up to my previous article (in the November 2007 Rogé Report) on appointing a Health Care Advocate to assist with insurance company interactions, I did some additional research with a focus on individuals covered by Medicare as their primary provider.

By law, individuals control access to their own health information, which technically excludes even immediate family members or designated caregivers. However, if the individual wishes to give you (or other family members) access to any medical data, have them submit a written, detailed authorization to their doctors, health care facilities and any other treatment-connected entity. That way the advocate can have appropriate access to information pertinent to on-going care. This authorization should also note the names of those not to be granted access, such as an estranged relative.

When a visit is scheduled with a health care provider, have your senior complete a new HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) form, which permits the provider to release any relevant health information to the advocate or other authorized individuals. This form, along with the above-referenced letter of authorization, should help those advocates stay fully informed of all health-related issues.

In the event that you need a more extensive patient care history form, you’ll have to use a Personal Health Record. A very thorough form can be downloaded from the website www.myphr.com.

For additional information about our services, please visit us at www.rwroge.com or call our office at 877-218-0085.

R.W. Rogé & Company, Inc • 630 Johnson Avenue • Bohemia, NY 11716 • Phone: 631.218.0077 • Fax: 631.218.0147