You Asked ChatGPT—Now What? Why Talking to an Expert Matters

AI chatbots are becoming more commonplace in our daily lives. It can be hard to avoid them—whether you’re searching for information or simply accessing a company’s customer service. And they can be helpful, cutting through the clutter of an online search and providing quick, digestible answers.

But as we all know, the quality of the answer often depends on the wording of the question, and that’s where the challenge lies. Chatbots like ChatGPT can process vast amounts of information, but they don’t know your specific situation or the nuances of your family’s needs.

When AI Gives an Incomplete Picture

One of Mellie’s care coordinators recently met with a family caregiver who shared that she had used ChatGPT to help narrow down her mother’s options for purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan. She found it helpful as it narrowed down her options. 

The care coordinator agreed that AI tools can be a great starting point, but after learning more about the mother’s situation, she discovered something important: the mother actually qualified for Medicaid. Applying for Medicaid would not only cover her medical costs but also provide long-term care support that a Medicare Supplement Plan never could.

In another situation, a caregiver asked an AI chatbot for advice on Medicare Part D Drug Plans since he had been hearing quite a bit about them during Open Enrollment. His father wasn’t enrolled in one, and the AI chatbot warned him that his father could face a penalty for not having coverage. Alarmed, the caregiver contacted his care coordinator, who clarified that his father’s Medicare Advantage plan already included drug coverage. Not only was he protected, but he also wouldn’t face any penalty if he changed plans in the future.

Both of these caregivers started with good intentions and smart use of technology, but their situations show why expert guidance still matters.

The Human Element: Context, Experience, and Judgment

Navigating the maze of government benefits and community resources can be overwhelming. Rules differ by state, eligibility can hinge on small financial details, and one change in coverage can affect another benefit. AI tools can’t always catch those nuances or the emotional realities families face when making these decisions.

A professional who specializes in elder care and aging services brings more than information—they bring context, experience, and judgment. They can:

• Ask the right questions. Experts know what details make a difference in eligibility and coverage.

• Connect the dots. They understand how programs like Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and community supports overlap.

• Anticipate future needs. A chatbot can answer what’s true today, but a care coordinator can help you plan for what’s coming tomorrow.

• Provide reassurance. Sometimes, the most important thing is hearing from a real person who can say, “You’re on the right track.”

Technology + Expertise = The Best of Both Worlds

AI tools can be valuable for initial research and education. They can help you understand terminology, explore options, and prepare for a conversation with a professional. But when it comes to making decisions about health coverage, long-term care, or public benefits, there’s no substitute for human expertise.

At Mellie, our care coordinators combine technology with personal guidance—helping families not just find answers, but find the right answers for their loved ones. Contact us today to learn more.