Important Things Your Agent Under a Health Care Proxy Needs to Know
Your health care proxy serves an incredibly important role in your overall estate plan. Who would you want speaking for you in the event that you’re unable to speak for yourself due to some type of health issue? The answer to this question is the person who should become your agent under your health care power of attorney. Keep in mind, however, that in order for your health care agent to act efficiently, there are several details that this person should know before a healthcare crisis takes place.
3 Things Your Healthcare Agent Needs To Know
It’s important that you’re conscious of the fact that there are several things that your healthcare agent needs to know so that they can jump into action if a health event happens. Although the details of what your healthcare agent needs to know may change at any given point, here are a few key details that should never be overlooked:
• Health insurance coverage
Your health insurance is a key piece of information that you should always pass along to your healthcare agent. A good rule of thumb is to make a copy of your insurance cards and provide them to your health care agent so that they are ready in an emergency.
• Give your healthcare agent a copy of your healthcare power of attorney
An important document that you should always provide to your healthcare provider is a copy of your healthcare power of attorney. Before you appoint an individual to this role, you should always talk to that person and let them know that you would like them to serve in this capacity. You should always provide a copy of the document or let that person know exactly where to find this information.
• Discuss hospital or doctor preferences
It’s understandable that there may be certain doctors or hospital preferences that you have when it comes to the type of treatment that you receive. If so, it’s important that you convey these preferences to your agent so that they are ready if you’re unable to convey your own medical wishes.
Another detail that you should always have as part of your health care power of attorney is to name a successor agent in the event that your initial agent is unable to sure in any capacity. You can also opt to appoint co-agents which may provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that either individual is able to act on your behalf is needed.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of a Complete Estate Plan
While it’s true that having a healthcare power of attorney is important, you should never overlook the importance of putting together a comprehensive estate plan which should also include a financial power of attorney, Last Will & Testament and a Living Will. Remember, depending on your situation, there may be other estate planning tools that may help to enhance your estate plan.
Work With an Estate Planning Attorney to Develop Your Health Care Power of Attorney
One of the worst mistakes that you can make when it comes to your estate plan is to try to manage these important details alone. When you work with our team, we can provide you with the guidance and personalized attention that you need when you’re ready to put together a health care power of attorney. We will walk you through the process so that you feel comfortable and confident with the decisions that you have made regarding not only your health care power of attorney but your estate plan overall. Get in touch with us today to book your appointment.