Making informed decisions about your healthcare is a fundamental right. At Florida Blue, we deeply respect and uphold your autonomy in these crucial choices, especially as a valued member of our Medicare Advantage program. We want to ensure you understand your rights, particularly concerning Advanced Care Program options and advance directives here in Florida.
Under Florida law, you have the right to determine the type, extent, and duration of your medical care. This includes the right to appoint a healthcare surrogate – someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. These decisions can range from daily care choices to more complex matters, including withholding resuscitation or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment.
Florida Blue’s commitment is to honor your personal beliefs and healthcare wishes. We firmly believe in your right to decide whether to create an advance directive, a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences. We pledge to respect and adhere to your decisions, in accordance with Florida state laws, and will not interfere with your choices. It is important to inform your physician about any advance directives you have in place to ensure they are properly documented and followed.
What are Advance Directives and Why are They Important?
Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to express your wishes regarding future medical care should you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your decisions. In Florida, common types of advance directives include:
- Living Will: This document outlines your preferences regarding life-prolonging medical treatment in specific situations, such as if you have a terminal condition or are in a persistent vegetative state. It allows you to refuse medical treatment you do not want to receive.
- Healthcare Surrogate Designation: This document allows you to appoint a trusted individual (your healthcare surrogate) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them yourself. This person will act according to your known wishes or, if your wishes are unknown, in your best interests.
Having an advanced care program in place, which includes advance directives, ensures your voice is heard and your healthcare wishes are respected, even when you cannot speak for yourself. It provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones, knowing that your care will align with your values.
Accessing Information and Support for Your Advanced Care Plan
Understanding and creating advance directives can seem daunting, but resources are readily available to assist you. As part of our commitment to your advanced care program, Florida Blue encourages you to seek information from trusted sources, including:
- Your Physicians or Healthcare Workers: Your doctor and other healthcare providers are excellent resources for information about advance directives. They can explain the different types of directives and help you understand how they apply to your individual health situation.
- Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities: These facilities often have resources and staff dedicated to helping patients understand and complete advance directives. They can provide forms and answer your questions.
- The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Website: The AHCA website (https://quality.healthfinder.fl.gov/) is a valuable online resource for information about advance directives in Florida. They also provide access to Living Will forms (https://fhfstore.blob.core.windows.net/documents/reports-guides/documents/LivingWill.pdf).
If you have concerns about non-compliance with advance directive requirements, you can also contact AHCA directly to submit a complaint:
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
Bureau of Managed Care
2727 Mahan Drive Mail Stop 26, Bldg. 1, Room 333A
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (888) 419-3456
TDD (800) 955-8771
The Importance of Health Literacy in Your Advanced Care
Understanding health information is crucial for making informed decisions about your advanced care program. Health literacy, the ability to understand and use health information, can sometimes be a challenge. It’s important to remember that anyone can experience difficulties with health literacy, regardless of age, background, or education.
If you ever feel unsure about any health information or instructions you receive, please don’t hesitate to ask questions. Clear communication with your healthcare providers is essential for ensuring you understand your care plan and can actively participate in decisions about your health.
Florida Blue is dedicated to supporting your health journey, including empowering you to make informed choices about your advanced care program and future healthcare. By understanding your rights and utilizing available resources, you can take proactive steps to ensure your healthcare wishes are honored.
