Advance Care Planning

We urge all of our members to take some time for advance care planning. That means thinking ahead about medical care you’d want if you couldn't make decisions for yourself. It also includes choosing someone to make medical and legal decisions for you. 

Here's a little more about advance care planning and the forms you'll need to put everything in place.

Why do I need advance care planning?

It can provide clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. You’ll know that if you’re ever in a situation where you can’t speak or make decisions for yourself, you’ve already made clear the medical care and treatments you want.

That can ease stress and prevent confusion for your loved ones and doctors. No one has to guess — or worse, disagree — over what you might have wanted.

What's involved in advance care planning?

First, you'll need to do some thinking about medical care you would (or wouldn't) want and who you trust to make decisions for you. It's usually helpful to talk things through with family members, caregivers, your doctors, and a lawyer. You can also use a free program like PREPARE that helps you think through the decisions you'll need to make.

Then, you'll have to fill out some forms to make your wishes clear and legally binding. It can be helpful to use these forms to guide your conversations.

What forms do I need?

Typically, you'll want to at least have these forms:

• Living will to state your wishes for the types of end-of-life care you want. Other names for a living will include advance directive, medical directive, and directive to physicians.
• Health care surrogate form to appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you in case you can’t do so yourself. Other names for this form include healthcare power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and power of attorney for health care.

How do I get started?

Start by thinking about what kinds of care you want and who you trust to make decisions for you. Then, fill out your forms:

Download advance care planning forms

Go to the link above and choose your state to download an easy-to-understand Advance Directive form from PREPARE. The form includes a section to state your wishes for end-of-life care and a section to appoint a healthcare decision-maker.

If you prefer, you can also get Living Will and Health Care Surrogate forms from your state, from your doctor or care team, or from a lawyer.

What if I already have my forms?

That's great. You're ahead of the game. Just make sure to give your doctor a copy and send a copy to us at:

• Fax: 1-877-264-3859
• Mail:
  Devoted Health – Enrollment
  PO Box 211127
  Eagan, MN 55121

The information in this notice is not legal advice. While you do not need an attorney to complete these forms, we recommend you consult an attorney about your individual situation. The form and information is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Using or relying on this information does not create an attorney-client relationship and Devoted Health is not liable for any actions you take or don’t take based on what is in this notice.