Your Medicare plan covers voluntary advance care planning as part of your annual wellness visit. This is planning for care you would get if you cannot speak for yourself. You may choose to complete an advance directive as part of your advance care planning. 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.
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. You can update your advance directive at any time. You pay nothing if it’s provided as part of the yearly “Wellness” visit, and your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment.
Note: Medicare may also cover this service as part of your medical treatment. The Part B deductible and coinsurance apply when advance care planning isn’t part of your yearly “Wellness” visit.