October, 2001

What does Medicare cover? Do people with Medicare need additional insurance? What's the best way to choose a Medicare HMO? Should your parents (or you) buy a long-term care insurance policy? How can you tell a good policy from a bad one?

An updated booklet by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation answers these questions and more about Medicare, health coverage, and long-term care. The guide reflects the latest changes in benefits and services. Talking With Your Parents About Medicare and Health Coverage offers quick, easy and useful information to help seniors and their adult children make informed decisions about Medicare and health coverage.

"Making decisions about health insurance can be complicated for anyone, and for some older Americans it can be overwhelming," said Kaiser Family Foundation President Drew E. Altman. "Often parents and grandparents turn to their adult children for advice. This guide provides essential information for helping our parents get the best possible health care."

Talking With Your Parents About Medicare and Health Coverage includes information and tips on how to help seniors and their adult children navigate the maze of decisions seniors face related to Medicare and health insurance coverage. The guide can help readers:

• Understand the basics of Medicare and know what it does and does not cover;
• Sort through health plan options including traditional Medicare, Medicare HMOs and other plans that may be available in their area;
• Consider health insurance to supplement Medicare, including retiree health coverage and Medigap, and information about programs for people with low incomes;
• Assess long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and other ways to pay for long-term care; and
• Find additional information about programs and services in your area from a list of resources, including helpful phone numbers.