Get ready for a hospital stay

Name who speaks for you

A health care proxy names the person who makes medical decisions if you can't. Without one, state law picks who decides. Give copies to your doctor and the person you named.

Hospitals can update family who are involved in your care if you agree. Tell your family who should get updates.

See the National Institute on Aging and HHS

Let Medicare talk with your family

Form CMS-10106 lets 1-800-MEDICARE discuss your claims with people you name. Send it from your Medicare.gov account, which is faster than mail. See each step. Until it's on file, Medicare can share your information only if you give permission during the call.

See Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Know what to ask during the stay

Even an overnight stay in a regular bed can count as outpatient observation, which affects what you pay. Your family can ask each day if you're an inpatient.

Within 2 days of admission, Medicare patients should get a notice that explains how to appeal if discharge seems too soon. Medicare Advantage plans use different appeal rules.

See Medicare.gov on inpatient status and fast appeals

List your bills and who would pay them

Write down which bills are on autopay and which you pay by check. If you've signed a power of attorney, give your bank a copy now, since banks can review one before accepting it. Nobody should sign in to your accounts as you.

See the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on managing someone else's money and powers of attorney

Choose who would manage your Social Security

A power of attorney doesn't cover Social Security benefits. While you're able, you can name up to three people Social Security would consider first. Set it up in my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at a local office.

See the Social Security Administration

Plan for your home and pets

Your family will need to know who feeds the pets, who gets the mail and who has a spare key. If you live with a spouse, make sure you both know where the papers are.