Planning Ahead

It is always a good idea to plan ahead. That goes for planning ahead for your health needs, too.

Advance Directive

An advance directive is a written record about your future care and treatment. This includes mental health care. It helps your family and providers know your wishes about your care. Some people may not want to spend months or years on life support. Others may want all steps taken to live longer.

What do you need to ask when making an advance directive?

You will need to answer some tough questions when you make an advance directive. Think about these things when you make yours:

• It is a choice to write one.
• The law states that you can make choices about health care and surgical treatment, such as agreeing to or refusing care.
• Having one does not mean you want to die.
• You can choose a person to make health care choices for you when you cannot make them. You may also use it to keep certain people from making decisions for you.
• You must be of sound mind to make one.
• You must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor to have one.
• Having one will not change other insurance.
• They can be changed or ended at any time.

Where do I get advance directive forms?

Many of the people and places that give you medical care have advance directive forms. A lawyer could also help you.

Can I change my advance directive?

Yes. It is a good idea to look over your advance directives from time to time. Make sure they still say what you want and that they cover all areas of care.

Learn More

Learn more about advance directives in your Evidence of Coverage. You can also visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s website CaringInfo.org or call 1-800-282-6556.

Guardianship

A guardian is someone chosen by a court to be legally in charge for another person.

When will a Guardian be chosen?

A court will choose a guardian for someone who can no longer make safe choices by themselves. This is usually due to legal or mental incapacity. In certain situations a minor may also have a guardian chosen for them.

How do I get a Guardianship?

Only a court can choose a guardian. The court that chooses a guardian is your local court. This could differ based on where you live. Call your local court, a local lawyer, or local legal aid service for more information.