Medicare beneficiaries would be encouraged to complete legal documents outlining the preferences for medical care if they suffer a debilitating medical condition under legislation led by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and U.S. Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) on Tuesday.
Medicare beneficiaries would be offered a one-time financial incentive of $75 to make their wishes for medical care in different situations clear via an advance directive under the Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act. The legal document provides guidance for families and medical providers about patients’ health care decisions if they become incapacitated.
Only about one-third of Americans have completed advance care directives to make their wishes for medical treatment known, although nearly 70 percent of them have considered their health care preferences in the event of a grave illness or injury, the PEW Research Center reports.
“This legislation gives patients greater power and incentive to consult with her or his doctor to decide end of life issues,” Cassidy said.
Under the bill, Medicare beneficiaries would be incentivized to voluntarily complete and submit an advance directive online. They would also have access to model advance directives with a range of options to choose from.
“Allowing patients to communicate their wishes with caregivers empowers them to take charge of their health care in the event they are unable to speak for themselves,” Black said.
“By encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to plan ahead, their personal wishes are honored and made a priority. I am very proud to sponsor a bipartisan piece of legislation that keeps patients’ rights at the forefront of treatment based on their own values, not the priorities of the government or their doctors,” Black said. “As a nurse, I have too often seen families go through tremendously painful situations while making decisions for their loved one, and it is my hope that this bill offers some peace of mind in difficult circumstances.”
The Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act stipulates that advance directives would not be stored in a database to protect the confidentiality of beneficiaries.