Medicare Drops End of Life Discussions What It Means to You
Medicare Drops End-of-Life Discussions: What It Means to You
Tom Grill/Corbis Q: I thought end-of-life planning was dropped last year and wasn't included in the health care law?
A: It wasn't. But officials say that was a mistake so the rule was re-entered in November during the period when set the payment rates for doctors who accept Medicare.
Q: Why was it dropped again?
A: The simple answer: Politics. According to : "The renewed debate over advance care planning threatened to become a distraction to administration officials who were gearing up to defend the health law."
Q: Wait. I don't understand what the rule was.
A: Physicians who accept are given a list of services they can offer patients during a regular physical. This year, "advance care planning" was added to the list. So in addition to talking about your heart, weight, diet and getting your annual blood tests, your doctor could have also set aside time during your visit to talk about — if you wanted to. And Medicare would have paid your doctor for this extra time.
Q: Why all the controversy? What's the big deal?
A: Any discussion about is a hot topic. While some health care providers say the rule helps patients make better decisions about their care, other groups warn that any such government-backed policy is dangerous — going so far as to label them "death panels."
Q: So now that the rule has reversed, can I still talk to my doctor about end-of-life care?
A: Yes, you can. There is no government policy that forbids you from .
Q: I just want to know one thing: Does the change affect my Medicare premium and coverage?
A: No.
Q: I'm still confused. What else am I missing?
A: Find out all you need to know about what the means for you. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Medicare Drops End-of-Life Provision
What this change means for you
The White House has reversed course on a Medicare rule that would have paid for end-of-life counseling during annual physical examinations under the new health care law. The change comes just days after the provision took effect. So what does this mean for you?Tom Grill/Corbis Q: I thought end-of-life planning was dropped last year and wasn't included in the health care law?
A: It wasn't. But officials say that was a mistake so the rule was re-entered in November during the period when set the payment rates for doctors who accept Medicare.
Q: Why was it dropped again?
A: The simple answer: Politics. According to : "The renewed debate over advance care planning threatened to become a distraction to administration officials who were gearing up to defend the health law."
Q: Wait. I don't understand what the rule was.
A: Physicians who accept are given a list of services they can offer patients during a regular physical. This year, "advance care planning" was added to the list. So in addition to talking about your heart, weight, diet and getting your annual blood tests, your doctor could have also set aside time during your visit to talk about — if you wanted to. And Medicare would have paid your doctor for this extra time.
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Q: Why all the controversy? What's the big deal?
A: Any discussion about is a hot topic. While some health care providers say the rule helps patients make better decisions about their care, other groups warn that any such government-backed policy is dangerous — going so far as to label them "death panels."
Q: So now that the rule has reversed, can I still talk to my doctor about end-of-life care?
A: Yes, you can. There is no government policy that forbids you from .
Q: I just want to know one thing: Does the change affect my Medicare premium and coverage?
A: No.
Q: I'm still confused. What else am I missing?
A: Find out all you need to know about what the means for you. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures