“Death Panels” Back? Medicare End-of-Life Planning Available Next Year

The provision that prompted the infamous “death panels” debate is back, reports The New York Times. Next year, if nothing changes, Medicare will cover end-of-life discussions with doctors.

Because of controversy, the big health-care law does not include this coverage. But “the Obama administration has been able to achieve its policy goal through the regulation-writing process,” the article explains.

Section 1233 of the bill passed by the House in November 2009 — but not included in the final legislation — allowed Medicare to pay for consultations about advance care planning every five years. In contrast, the new rule allows annual discussions as part of the wellness visit.

The article, “Obama Returns to End-of-Life Plan That Caused Stir,” quotes a congressman who says the law could yet be “modified or reversed.”

What do you think about it?

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