Health care planning, such as the creation of a health care proxy here in Massachusetts, is critical for anyone over the age of 18, not just older adults. Here are some reasons why health care planning is important at every stage of life:
1. Preventative Care
Health care planning allows individuals to prioritize preventative care measures such as vaccinations, screenings, and regular check-ups. Early detection and prevention of diseases can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs in the long run. Make sure your chosen proxy understands your wishes with respect to preventative care options.
2. Chronic Disease Management
If you are dealing with a chronic condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, it is important that you develop strategies to manage these conditions effectively, including medication management, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring, and that you communicate this information to your chosen proxy.
3. Emergency Preparedness
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any age. Health care planning involves creating emergency preparedness plans, such as knowing where to go and whom to contact in case of a medical emergency. Naming a health care decision maker (through a health care proxy form) ensures that you have identified the person of your choosing who can step into your shoes should you be unable to make or communicate health care decisions for yourself.
4. Health Insurance Coverage
Take time to understand your health care coverage whether you are covered under a private employer plan or a state/federal plan such as MassHealth or Medicare. Healthcare planning involves evaluating different insurance plans, considering factors such as premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits, to ensure adequate coverage for medical expenses, including understanding medication coverage under your plan.
5. Mental Health and Well-being
Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being. Health care planning includes strategies for maintaining good mental health, such as stress management techniques, seeking therapy or counseling when needed, and building a support network. Make sure that your health care proxy document authorizes your chosen proxy the authority to make decisions regarding mental health treatment and care.
6. Family Planning
Health care planning extends to family planning decisions, including contraception, prenatal care, and fertility treatments. Planning for family health needs ensures that individuals can access the necessary resources and support during significant life transitions. If this is a concern for you, ensuring that issues such as invitro fertilization and the management of harvested embryos should also be part of your overall estate plan.
7. End-of-Life Care
While often associated with older adults, end-of-life care planning is relevant for individuals of all ages. Health care planning involves documenting preferences for medical care and establishing advance directives to ensure that one’s wishes are respected in the event of incapacity. Discuss your wishes regarding end-of-life planning with your chosen proxy so that they have a framework for decision making should they need to be your spokesperson with respect to advanced health care planning. To guide you through what you should cover in your conversation, download our free eBook “Life Conversations with Your Important People”.
Health care planning is essential for all adults to promote health and well-being, prevent diseases, manage chronic conditions, and prepare for emergencies. By taking a proactive approach to health care planning, you can make informed decisions about your health and ensure access to quality health care services throughout your life. You will also ensure that, if you are unable to manage your own health care, you have an informed proxy who can advocate for your wishes with respect to health care.
Founded by a nurse attorney and with offices in Acton, Andover, and Sudbury, Massachusetts, Generations Law Group helps families navigate the complex areas of estate planning and elder law to inform and protect loved ones of every generation.
