Advance directives

You can choose someone you trust to help you make health care decisions for you. This may be family or a friend.

Sometimes people cannot make their own choices because they are very sick or hurt.

You can also write down the kind of care you want. This helps your doctors know what your wishes are if you cannot speak for yourself.

These written documents are called advance directives. They help make sure your wishes are known.

Read your Member Handbook for benefit details 

Types of advance directives

Advance directives are legal documents that explain your wishes for care.

Two common types are:

• A living will, which explains the care you want
• A power of attorney for health care, which names someone to make choices for you.

You can get an advance directive form from the Caring Connections website.

You can also get a form from a lawyer, social worker or office supply store. Some Medicare organizations may also provide forms.

This is a legal document. You may ask a lawyer for help if you choose.

After you sign your form:

• Keep a copy at home.
• Give a copy to your doctor.
• Give a copy to the person you choose to make decisions for you.
• You may also give copies to close friends or family.

Advance directives and going to the hospital

If you plan to go to the hospital and have an advance directive, bring a copy with you.

The hospital will ask whether you have one.

If you do not have an advance directive, the hospital can provide a form and ask whether you want to complete it.

It is your choice whether to complete an advance directive. No one can deny care or treat you differently based on your decision.

If you already have an advance directive and believe a doctor or hospital did not follow it, you may file a complaint with the Advance Directives office listed below.

Forms and documents

• Download your state’s Advance Directive form on the Caring Connections website.
• Visit the Member Materials and Forms page to review the Advance Directives information

Advance directives complaints

• To file complaints about a doctor, click here.
• To file complaints about a health care facility, click here.

More Resources

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