For caregivers and other family members
Understanding Medicare
Are you looking to help your family member or friend with Medicare decisions? Visit our educational site equipped with the knowledge and resources you need to get started. We understand how challenging the Medicare decision-making process is, and the importance of choosing the right plan. Our goal is to help you and your family navigate the process with confidence.
Assistance available from Independence Blue Cross
Serving as a caregiver
If a member needs you to speak with the plan on a continuous basis, you must have them complete one of the below forms.
- Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information form — This form allows the member to give permission to our Member Help Team to discuss plan and personal health information with a caregiver. You cannot make any changes to the member’s account information.
- Personal Representative form — This form allows the member to give a caregiver full access to their member account and personal health information. It allows Independence to permit the caregiver to request changes to the member’s account and receive personal health information on behalf of the member. Legal documentation is required to be submitted with the completed form.
- Appointment of Representative form — This form is only needed when the caregiver is filing an appeal or grievance on the member’s behalf, or speaking with a third party vendor. Learn more about how to file an appointment of representative form.
For specific member benefit or claims information, please contact us. With a completed Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information form or Personal Representative form and legal documentation on file, we can answer any questions you may have about your loved one's Medicare health insurance information.
About Carallel
Carallel offers training, education, and resources for caregivers. A member’s caregiver, or a member who is a caregiver can enroll in Carallel through an IBX Medicare Advantage plan. Carallel is here to help ease your mind and build confidence in your capabilities as a caregiver. We all need support, even caregivers. Learn more about Carallel and its vast resources for caregivers at: carallel.com/independence.
Additional resources for more information and help
www.Medicare.gov — the Official U.S. Government Site for Medicare
www.Eldercare.gov — a public caregiver service of the Administration on Aging from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services
www.nia.nih.gov — National Institute on Aging dedicated to understanding the nature of aging
Recognizing and reporting abuse
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police.
To report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Pennsylvania call the state-wide Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-490-8505.
If the abuse occurs in a nursing home and involves serious injury, sexual abuse or suspicious death, you may also call the Pennsylvania Department of Aging at 1-717-265-7887 and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Health Nursing Home Complaint Line at 1-800-254-5164.
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Website last updated: 4/10/2025