Before proceeding, their condition would have to be independently assessed by two doctors as well as other healthcare professionals and they would have to be informed about alternative treatments and end-of-life care options.
Using the provision of Obamacare that provides for a free physical exam for Medicare beneficiaries each year (wellness visits), Medicare has approved a new rule to go into effect on January 1, 2011, that will permit Medicare to pay the tab for doctors advising their patients on end-of life treatment options.