Advance care planning helps your loved ones and doctors follow your wishes if you can’t speak for yourself.
Choose a health care decision-maker (proxy).
Write down what matters most to you (quality of life, independence, comfort).
Review your plan after major health changes.
Store documents where someone you trust can access them.
Medicare Coverage
Medicare covers advance care planning in certain situations, including as part of the Welcome visit and the AWV.
Coverage depends on how it’s provided and billed.
Medicare Advantage plans also cover AWV/Welcome visits, but plan rules may apply.
Key takeaways
“Planning ahead” protection for you and your family.
Pair it with your AWV so it stays updated.
Keep documents accessible.
Good to Know
Provider Accepts Assignment
In Original Medicare, “accepts assignment” means a provider agrees to Medicare’s approved amount as full payment (with you paying any required deductible/coinsurance). For many preventive services, using a provider who accepts assignment can help keep your costs lower and more predictable.