End-of-Life Documents
If you or a loved one needs financial assistance when it comes to end-of-life care and planning, here are a few government-assisted programs
Medicaid offers an optional state plan that provides medical care to terminally ill end-of-life patients like nursing, palliative care, counseling services, etc.
Washington Cares Fund is a government assisted program that assists citizens of the state of Washington save for end-of-life care and planning. It works similarly to life insurance where a certain amount of money based on your income is subtracted from your paycheck.
Check out other organizations in your states that provide financial assistance for end-of-life planning.
How Do I Obtain End-of-Life Documents?
Overtaking this task may seem insurmountable but here’s how to easily obtain the necessary end-of-life documents for you or a loved one:
Living will
Forms and requirements for a living will vary from state to state, check out what form your state requires and if your living will needs to be notarized.
Last will and testament: You can create your own will or hire an attorney to draft one for you.
Living trust
After selecting a trustee you can create your own document or hire an attorney. You will need to gather all titles, deeds, stock certificates, and bank account statements to transfer property and assets into the trust. Once a trust has been created you need to sign a trust agreement in front of a public notary.
Durable financial/medical power of attorney: Find out which laws and forms apply to your state.
Organ donor card and registration
Depending on your state you can sign up to be an organ donor at the DMV or you can sign up here.
DNR – Do Not Resuscitate
Speak with your doctor to procure and sign a DNR.
Life insurance
Your life insurance provider can provide you with an extra copy detailing what your policy covers.
HIPPA Release
Releasing medical records without authorization is a HIPPA violation. Obtain a HIPPA release form, make sure you accurately fill it out and detail what medical information you would like your agent to access.
Funeral Arrangements Speak with your family or chosen funeral home to help make arrangements. Shop around and see what kind of service you’d like.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider or financial planner with any questions you may have regarding end of life arrangements.