The Care Planning Act of 2015

The U.S. Senate introduced a bill that would allow doctors to be reimbursed by Medicare for providing end of life planning advice to their patients.  This bill is called “The Care Planning Act,” and it would amend title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.  This legislation resulted from findings that because Americans are living longer, they are also facing more serious conditions later in life.  The goal of the Act is to ensure that aging individuals with advancing illnesses understand their treatment options and can assist in making their health care choices before losing capacity.  Previously, Medicare would not reimburse qualified health care professionals for this type of counseling.

The U.S. Senate introduced a bill that would allow doctors to be reimbursed by Medicare for providing end of life planning advice to their patients.  This bill is called “The Care Planning Act,” and it would amend title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act.  This legislation resulted from findings that because Americans are living longer, they are also facing more serious conditions later in life.  The goal of the Act is to ensure that aging individuals with advancing illnesses understand their treatment options and can assist in making their health care choices before losing capacity.  Previously, Medicare would not reimburse qualified health care professionals for this type of counseling.

By discussing end of life options with a physician, aging individuals would be able to articulate their values and preferences so that physicians would be able to develop an appropriate plan for treatment and decision making.  Under the plan, the number of conversations regarding end of life planning is unlimited.

Those in opposition to the bill have expressed concern that the program is motivated by the desire to cut health care costs due to the large amount of money that is spent on individuals in the last few years prior to death.  Those who favor the Act believe it will enable seniors to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

In order to be eligible for the “planning services,” an individual would have to be in need of assistance with certain daily activities, or diagnosed with one of the following illnesses:

  • metastatic or locally advanced cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease/progressive dementia
  • late-stage neuromuscular disease
  • late-stage diabetes
  • late-stage kidney, liver, heart, gastrointestinal, cerebrovascular, or lung disease

If passed by the House and Senate, the proposed bill could go into effect in January 2016.   To read the full bill, click here.

If you or a loved one is in the process of planning for long term care, find out how to protect yourself or loved one and contact experienced elder law attorney, Tanya Hobson-Williams. The attorneys at Tanya Hobson-Williams are available to set up a consultation at 866-825-1529.

Written by Tanya Hobson-Williams

Appointed to the bench by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and elected in 2009, Tanya Hobson-Williams was the first African-American Female Justice in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. Tanya Hobson–Williams obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics from St. John’s University and her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Tanya Hobson-Williams has an active elder law practice assisting senior citizens in obtaining Medicaid for Home Care and Nursing Home Care. She routinely lectures at senior citizen centers, assisted living facilities, law schools and counsels families on a variety of topics of concerns to families caring for the elderly.

homepagetwitterfacebooklinkedingoogle plus

Author: Tanya Hobson-Williams

Appointed to the bench by the Board of Trustees in 2008, and elected in 2009, Tanya Hobson-Williams was the first African-American Female Justice in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead. Tanya Hobson–Williams obtained her B.A. in Government and Politics from St. John's University and her law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Tanya Hobson-Williams has an active elder law practice assisting senior citizens in obtaining Medicaid for Home Care and Nursing Home Care. She routinely lectures at senior citizen centers, assisted living facilities, law schools and counsels families on a variety of topics of concerns to families caring for the elderly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Testimonials

“I want to take this time to thank Tanya and Keith for their professionalism and their ability to keep me calm during this process. Tanya was very helpful in explaining the whole guardianship process and my next steps. Despite my numerous emails, I never felt ignored or that they were growing weary of me. Even after being granted guardianship when I had an issue with the bank releasing money Tanya stayed calm and found a way to get what I was entitled to. I hope I never need to do this again but if I do, I will definitely come back to Tanya and her team. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Love from Bermuda.”

-K. Durham.
(An attorney in Bermuda transferring a Bermudian guardianship to NY)

Read More »

  • Elder Law Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Elder Law

    Elder Law encompasses a broad range of legal matters. It is important for everyone, regardless of age or health, to plan for the future.

  • Guardianships Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Guardianships

    The legal system recognizes that some adults, whether due to disease, dementia, mental deterioration, or disability, are unable...

  • Medicaid / Medicare Fraud Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Medicaid / Medicare Fraud

    Medicaid is a joint state and Federal program that provides insurance to individuals based upon their income and resources, while Medicare...

  • Reverse-Mortgage Foreclosures Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Reverse-Mortgage Foreclosures

    Reverse mortgages are becoming an increasingly popular way for aging homeowners to refinance...

  • Landlord-Tenant Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Landlord-Tenant

    Landlord Tenant law can be a complex and confusing subject. Disputes over leases and rent payments are often emotionally...

  • Business Law Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Business Law

    From the initial startup of your business to any issues you may encounter along the way, you can rely on Hobson-Williams, P.C. for effective...

  • Collections Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Collections

    Hobson-Williams, P.C. has a full-service debt collections department, with experienced debt-collection attorneys who will...

  • Real Estate Transactions Attorney Serving Queens Bronx Brooklyn

    Real Estate Transactions

    Many people question why they need an attorney to purchase or sell a home.

Litigator of the Year
Women-Owned Law Firm
Long Island's 50 Top Women
Minority-Owned Law Firm
Brooklyn Bar Association
Queens County Bar Association
New York State Bar Association
Lawyers of Distinction
Outstanding Women in Law

24 hour service
Call Toll-Free:
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Phone: 1-866-825-1LAW
Phone: 1-866-825-1529

Queens Office:

  • 87-01 Midland Parkway, Lobby A
    Jamaica Estates, New York 11432
  • Phone: 718-210-4744
  • Fax: 718-928-2210

Brooklyn Office:

  • By Appointment Only
  • Phone: 718-210-4744
  • Fax: 718-928-2210
Skip to content