covers voluntary advance care planning as part of your yearly “Wellness” visit. Medicare may also cover this service as part of your medical treatment.
Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay nothing for this planning if your doctor or other health care provider accepts
assignmentand it's part of your yearly “Wellness” visit. If it’s provided as part of your medical treatment, the Part B
deductible [glossary]and
coinsuranceapply.
What it is
This is planning for care you would get if you become unable to speak for yourself. As part of advance care planning, you may choose to complete an advance directive. This is an important legal document that records your wishes about medical treatment at a future time, if you aren’t able to make decisions about your care. You can talk about an advance directive with your health care provider, and they can help you fill out the forms, if you prefer. You can update your advance directive at any time.
Consider carefully who you want to speak for you and what directions you want to give. You have the right to carry out your plans as you choose without discrimination based on your age or disability.
Things to know
For help with advance directives, visit the Eldercare Locator.