They Both Reached for the Gun

Politico does its level best to keep the latest crazy zombie health care lie alive.   Here are the facts:

Myth vs. Fact: Advance Planning Consultations in H.R. 3200

 
Few areas are more vital for honest discussion and careful consideration than end-of-life care for America’s seniors.  Unfortunately, families often do not know their loved ones’ preferences for end of life care and are not confronted with these difficult decisions until an emergency arises. This leaves spouses, sons, daughters and grandchildren unprepared; as a result families struggle to make decisions in the midst of turmoil. 

The House health care legislation includes a provision (Sec. 1233) that provides seniors with better care as they grapple with these hard questions. This provision extends Medicare coverage to cover the cost of patients voluntarily speaking with their doctors about their values and preferences regarding end-of-life care. These are deeply personal decisions that take thoughtful consideration, and it is only appropriate that doctors be compensated for their time. 

 Myths and Facts about this provision 
 
Myth: Patients will be forced to have this consultation once every five years.

• Fact: Advance planning consultations are not mandatory; this benefit is completely voluntary.  The provision merely provides coverage under Medicare to have a conversation once every five years if – and only if – a patient wants to make his or her wishes known to a doctor. If desired, patients may have consultations more frequently if they are chronically ill or if their health status changes.

Myth: Patients will be forced to sign an advance care directive (or living will).

• Fact: Patients will never be forced to sign a living will; there is no mandate in the bill to complete an advance care directive. If a patient chooses to complete an advance directive or order for life sustaining treatment, these documents will help articulate a full range of treatment preferences, from full and aggressive treatment to limited, comfort care only.  Patients can customize these written documents so that their values are fully reflected, helping family members understand a loved one’s wishes so they can be respected.

Myth: Patients will have to see a health care professional chosen by the government.

• Fact: The government will not choose the doctor; physician choice is entirely up to the patient.  The legislation simply has Medicare pay for the consultation if the patient wishes to talk with his or her doctor about their preferences and values.