Designate someone you trust to speak for you
If you become unable to make decisions on your own, a Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust handles your finances and healthcare — not a court-appointed stranger.
Nobody plans to become incapacitated. But everyone should plan for the possibility — because if you don't choose who speaks for you, a court will make that choice for you.
The document that protects you while you're still alive
Most estate planning focuses on what happens after death — but Power of Attorney addresses what happens if you're incapacitated while still alive. A stroke, a serious illness, or a cognitive decline can leave you temporarily or permanently unable to manage your own affairs. Without a POA in place, your family may need to go to court to get legal authority to act on your behalf.
That process — called conservatorship or guardianship — can take months, cost thousands in legal fees, and result in a court appointing someone you wouldn't have chosen. A Power of Attorney document, completed in advance, eliminates that entire process.
Through your How2Medicare membership, you can complete a financial Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Directive (also called a Medical POA or Advance Directive) through a guided online process — at no cost, in about 30 minutes.
Financial Power of Attorney
A financial POA authorizes a trusted person — called your agent — to manage your bank accounts, pay bills, file taxes, manage investments, and handle real estate transactions on your behalf if you're unable to do so yourself.
- Manage bank accounts and pay bills
- Handle property and investment decisions
- File taxes and manage financial accounts
Healthcare Directive
A Healthcare Directive (also called a Medical POA or Advance Directive) specifies your wishes for medical treatment and designates someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated. It ensures doctors follow your wishes — not the wishes of relatives who may disagree.
- Designate a healthcare agent
- Specify end-of-life treatment preferences
- Accepted by hospitals and medical facilities
Legally valid documents in all 50 states
Both your Financial POA and Healthcare Directive are formatted to comply with the legal requirements of your state. Our guided process ensures your documents include all required language, signature requirements, and notarization instructions.
- State-specific legal formatting
- Signature and notarization guidance
- Accepted by financial institutions and hospitals
Setting up your Power of Attorney
Choose your agent
Decide who you trust to act on your behalf — a spouse, adult child, sibling, or close friend. You can name a backup agent too.
Define the scope
Specify what decisions your agent can make and under what circumstances the POA takes effect.
Sign with witnesses
Sign your POA with two adult witnesses present. Some states also require notarization — we'll guide you through your state's requirements.
Share with the right people
Give copies to your agent, your doctor, your bank, and your attorney if you have one. Keep the original in a safe place.
Power of Attorney questions, answered
Don't leave this decision to a court
Complete your Power of Attorney through your free How2Medicare member dashboard — takes about 30 minutes.
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