Senator Capito Supports Bill to Improve Planning Options for Patients with Advanced Illness

Press Release

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today co-sponsored bipartisan legislation designed to give people with serious illness the freedom to make more informed choices about their care, and the power to have those choices honored.

The Care Planning Act of 2015, introduced by Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), creates a Medicare benefit for patient-centered care planning for people with serious illness. It will reimburse a team of health care professionals for providing a voluntary, structured discussion about the patient's goals, illness and treatment options. Under this legislation, a written plan would reflect the informed choices made by patients in consultation with their health care team, faith leaders, family members and friends. The Care Planning Act also provides resources for public and professional education materials about care planning.

"There are few things more challenging than the sensitive decisions that must be made with loved ones at the end of life. Having recently lost both of my parents, I speak from personal experience when I say how important it is for families, loved ones and medical providers to have clear direction when making decisions about treatment in their final days. Sadly, Medicare will not currently pay for doctors to have this conversation. I am joining Senators Warner and Isakson in supporting the Care Planning Act of 2015 because patients and their families should have access to the planning and resources needed to make a fully informed decision about care options, and to have those wishes respected," said Senator Capito.

Source