What compassionate care looks like: a guide for people with Medicare

(English) Do you have a primary care provider (PCP) who listens? Do they care about what’s going on in your your chart and your life?

If you’re turning 65 or already have Medicare, you may be navigating a confusing world of insurance plans, doctors and appointments. If you have a chronic or complex condition or if you’ve ever felt like your concerns aren’t being heard, you’re not alone.

Many people feel overwhelmed trying to manage their health on their own. But there’s good news: a compassionate PCP can make all the difference. With a quality PCP by your side, healthcare feels simple because you have the support and the confidence to navigate your health and well-being.

Why should my PCP be a partner in my health?

Think of your PCP as the doctor who knows you best. They’re your go-to for everything from annual check-ups to managing ongoing health conditions. A great PCP doesn’t just treat symptoms. They:

• Understand your health history and lifestyle
• Help coordinate your care across specialists
• Support your health goals, whether that’s reducing medications or staying active
• Respect your time, your background and your voice

Why does primary care matter to my health?

According to Forbes, having strong primary care leads to:

• Better health outcomes
• Lower healthcare costs
• Greater equity in access and treatment

A good PCP keeps you at the center of care. They connect the dots between your body, your life and your long-term health, turning complexity into simplicity so you feel supported and confident

How can you tell if your PCP is a partner in your health? Ask yourself these questions.

Does my primary care feel personal?

Too often, healthcare feels rushed and impersonal. You may feel like a number instead of a person. But great PCPs take the time to learn about:

• Your personal story
• Your family situation
• Your goals and values

For example, do they understand that your independence matters to you? That you’d like to avoid certain medications? That you want to stay active enough to garden or play with grandkids?

The best PCPs treat you like a whole person—not just a diagnosis. They give you the support and confidence you need to make healthy choices daily.

Does my PCP listen to me?

When you speak, does your doctor listen or do they interrupt and rush you along?

Listening isn’t just polite. It’s essential for good care and promotes healing, builds trust and helps you feel confident.

Patients may even value soft skills like compassion and listening more than medical knowledge. Here are signs your doctor is really listening:

• They let you finish your thoughts
• They make eye contact and take notes
• They ask follow-up questions
• They explain things in a way that makes sense to you

Do you feel heard when you leave your appointment? If not, it may be time for a change.

Do I get both quality and time?

Many people are frustrated by long wait times and short appointments. It’s not uncommon to wait weeks for an appointment, only to see the doctor for less than 15 minutes.

According to ECG Management Consultants, the average wait for a new patient appointment in 2025 was 29–31 days. And a recent study found that primary care physicians spent an average of 18.9 minutes per visit.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Some PCPs design their practices to:

• Keep the number of patients they manage small
• Spend more time per visit
• Offer same- or next-day appointments
• Reduce time spent in the waiting room

You deserve a doctor who makes time for you, not one who treats you like you’re on a stopwatch. That’s the kind of support you can count on.

Is my PCP focused on older adults?

Not all primary care doctors are experienced in working with Medicare patients or older adults. And that can make a big difference for your confidence and health.

PCPs who understand aging:

• Know how medication can differently affect older adults
• Are more aware of age-related risks like falls or memory changes
• Can help you balance care with quality of life
• Don’t rush to prescribe unnecessary treatments

They also know that ageism is real. A PCP should take your concerns seriously and treat you with respect. If you’ve felt dismissed or overlooked by your PCP, you can find a different provider.

Am I comfortable at my PCP’s office?

Where you get your care matters. Are you concerned about:

• Lower exam tables for easier transfers?
• Wider hallways for walkers or wheelchairs?
• Handrails and slip-resistant floors?

These aren’t extras. They’re essentials for people who want to stay mobile and independent. If you aren’t able to get around your PCP’s office with confidence, seek out a new office designed for you.

Is my PCP tech-friendly—in a helpful way?

Technology can make your healthcare easier. But only if it works for you.

Helpful tech from your PCP might include:

• Online appointment scheduling
• Virtual visits when can’t make it in person
• Access to your test results or medical history online
• Reminders via phone, text or email

Healthcare tech should support your care, not make it more complicated. Because tech simplicity helps you manage your health with confidence.

Does my PCP support whole-person care?

Your health isn’t just about blood pressure and lab results. It’s also about how you eat, move, rest and connect with others. Some PCPs offer services that treat you as a whole person, such as:

• Onsite lab work for convenience
• Health coaching
• Mental health support
• Nutrition counseling

If you have diabetes, heart disease or other chronic conditions, this kind of support can be a game-changer.

Here’s what to look for:

• Are you encouraged to ask questions?
• Do you feel like a partner in your care?
• Are your preferences and lifestyle taken into account?

Feeling heard and supported can help you stay on track with your health and feel confident that you can make lasting changes.

Does my PCP work with my Medicare plan to support me?

As a patient, that last thing you want is to feel caught in the middle between your PCP and your Medicare insurer.

At Humana, we work with in-network PCPs to get patients the support and resources they need. Here are some examples of how we might coordinate with your PCP (coverage varies by plan and area—check a plan’s Evidence of Coverage for coverage details):

• Get you remote monitoring equipment like a blood pressure monitor, glucometer or pulse oximeters
• Help you connect with local community resources for food, payment and/or transportation assistance
• Offer in-home care if transportation or your mobility are a concern
• Care management for chronic conditions tailored to your needs

We believe getting the support you need from your PCP and Medicare plan should be simple and help you feel confident in navigating your healthcare.

What to do if my PCP isn’t a great fit

Healthcare should never make you feel small or overwhelmed. You deserve care that respects your time, your voice and your health goals.

With a PCP who acts as your health partner, you can feel confident, respected and cared for. If your current provider isn’t meeting your needs, it may be time to look for one who does.

Want to learn more about finding the right kind of care? Visit the Our Care page to explore resources and to find a provider who puts you first.