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.
If you become unable to make decisions, someone will make them for you. The question is whether it's someone you chose — or someone a court appointed.
The document that protects you while you're still alive
A Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents you can have while you're still alive. It designates someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf — managing bank accounts, paying bills, handling property — if you become incapacitated.
A Healthcare Power of Attorney (also called a Healthcare Directive or Advance Directive) designates who makes medical decisions for you and documents your wishes around end-of-life care, pain management, and organ donation. Without this document, your family may disagree about your care — or a court may appoint someone you would not have chosen.
Choosing the right agents is the most important step. For your financial agent, look for someone who is financially responsible, practical, and would make decisions the way you would. For your healthcare agent, look for someone who can handle emotionally difficult situations, will carry out your wishes under pressure, and is available to respond quickly in an emergency. Most people name 2–3 successors in order of preference for each role.
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.
- Financial Power of Attorney — protects your assets and accounts
- Healthcare Directive — ensures your medical wishes are followed
- Agent selection guidance included — we help you choose the right people
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.
- Financial Power of Attorney — protects your assets and accounts
- Healthcare Directive — ensures your medical wishes are followed
- Agent selection guidance included — we help you choose the right people
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.
- Financial Power of Attorney — protects your assets and accounts
- Healthcare Directive — ensures your medical wishes are followed
- Agent selection guidance included — we help you choose the right people
How to Choose the Right Agent
Financial Agent
- Financially responsible and a sound decision-maker
- Would handle your finances the way you would
- Not easily scammed or pressured
- Available, interested, and willing to take on the responsibility
- Will not create conflict among your beneficiaries
- Maintains a stable personal and professional life
Healthcare Agent
- Can make difficult decisions during an emotional time
- Will carry out your wishes even if they personally disagree
- Close in proximity — can respond quickly in emergencies
- Understands medical procedures and can evaluate treatment options
- Familiar with your values and healthcare preferences
- Practical and calm under pressure
Most people name their spouse or adult child as their primary agent, with 2–3 successors listed in order of preference. It is better to take time choosing the right person than to choose any person.
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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