Did you know that August is “National make-a-will month”?
I didn’t, until I happened to hear Rush Limbaugh mention it today in an advertisement counseling his listeners on the importance of having a will and a living will, and providing the name of a company that would assist them in getting those important documents prepared.
The company mentioned by Rush Limbaugh describes a living will as a document that “lets you specify decisions about artificial life support in advance. It not only ensures your wishes will be heard, but also protects your loved ones from having to make these difficult, deeply personal choices for you.”
Does that mean that Rush Limbaugh (or the company providing such services) is advocating counseling for seniors and others about euthanasia, death panels, or worse?
Of course not.
But why is it then that a provision in the proposed House health care bill that would provide for voluntary counseling sessions that address end-of-life issues, including living wills, etc., is viewed as promoting euthanasia, death panels, etc.?
Indeed, that now infamous Section 1233 of the bill, labeled “Advance Care Planning Consultation” details how “such consultation shall include the following: An explanation by the practitioner of advance care planning, including key questions and considerations, important steps, and suggested people to talk to; an explanation by the practitioner of advance directives, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses; an explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy.”
The sessions would be covered, but not mandatory, every five years, more frequently if someone is gravely ill.
It is nothing new. This requirement was instituted in 1992, during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. The government already requires hospitals to ask adult patients if they have a living will, or “advance directive.” If the patient doesn’t have one, and wants one, the hospital has to provide assistance. Under the new bill, Medicare will pay for it instead of private insurance or individuals.
Interestingly, the consultation provison was introduced into the health care reform legislation by a Republican. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) sponsored the provision which was put in the bill.
According to examiner.com
In an interview with the Washington Post Senator Isakson was befuddled that the provision was now being twisted to to read for euthanasia. In fact, Senator Isakson (a Republican remember) went as far as to call the “death panel” claim “nuts.” Senator Isakson also correctly points out that all 50 states already allow for voluntary end-of-life consultations. The health care reform bill would simply cover such consultations.
Does this provision mean that, as Sarah Palin and others are claiming, the government, at best, will be telling seniors how to end their life sooner, or, at worst, will be handing out a death sentence to Granma? You be the judge…
