Once you turn 18, you are an ADULT! Along with adult privileges, comes adult responsibilities. At 18, your parents are no longer entitled to your medical information, even though the age range between 18 and 24 make up 21% of the population who visit the Emergency Room one or more times within the year – second only to those age 65+ (according to “Health, United States 2019” published by the CDC).With your heightened chances of visiting the ER during this age range, it is crucial that you put your health care related wishes into writing.
Now that you are a legal adult, your doctors cannot tell your parents ANYTHING beyond the minimally necessary information. Think about it... your parents will be left in the dark about your health status and could be treated like complete strangers as they rush to the hospital in panic... unless you complete this critical estate planning document: HIPAA Release.
While the HIPAA release will allow your parents to be informed on your health status, they still will not be able to act on your behalf. Therefore, it is highly recommended for you to complete both your Declaration to Physicians (Living Will) and Healthcare Power of Attorney (Healthcare POA) to state your health care wishes to your doctors and ensure that you have a trusted individual making your health care decisions when you cannot.
If you change your mind down the road, no worries! All 3 of these documents are revocable (so you are not tied to the declarations of these documents for life). Just let your attorney know and they can always revisit your documents to honor your current wishes. As those between 18 and 24 years old are the second most likely demographic to be sent to the Emergency Room, you are urged to complete your HIPAA Authorization, Declaration to Physicians and Healthcare POA. Call Konstantakis Law Office at (414) 427-6181 to stay on track with your Estate Planning timeline.
Contact our office to take the first step towards securing the future of your estate.
Konstantakis Law Office, LLC
5217 South 51st Street, Greenfield, Wisconsin 53220, United States
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