Did you miss it? Were you prepared? How did you celebrate?

What? National Healthcare Decisions Day, of course!

April 16th is a day set aside to think—if just for a day—about the importance of planning ahead and making decisions about your health care treatment. Do you care who will make your health care decisions if you can’t make them for yourself? Do you care what medical treatment you will, or will not, have if you can’t communicate those decisions to your health care professionals?

We can’t overstate the importance of having current advance directives in effect and ready in case of an emergency. A health care power of attorney, living will and other advance directives help you decide and communicate important decisions about your health care well before the time to make decisions arises. The much-publicized cases of Terri Schiavo, Karen Ann Quinlan and Nancy Cruzan have brought national attention to the importance of preparing advance health care directives well before they are ever needed.

So, if you missed the celebration this year, maybe you can make it up by getting your advance directives in place now, long before next year’s celebration. Talk to a qualified estate planning attorney to prepare these important legal documents.

And while you are at it, give copies of these documents to your family members and loved ones who will be making decisions for you, and give a copy to your primary care physician as well. For those on Medicare, payment rules have recently changed to allow your physician to get paid for taking the time to discuss with you these important documents.

Kevin Kinghorn’s practicality, expertise and experience allow him to help his clients wade through complicated issues to find custom solutions to his clients’ individual circumstances and needs. Even more, Kevin enjoys the friendships and lasting relationships that are created with his clients. If you would like to make an appointment to find out how we can help protect your legacy, call (520) 529-4000, or visit us online at www.KHarizona.com.