Iowa Advance Directive Resources

It is important for your doctor and loved ones to know your wishes about your health care, in case you cannot communicate those choices. 

At Iowa Total Care, our members can access advance directive resources in Iowa online and from our Member Services team at any time.

Planning Your Advance Directive

We think you are the most important person who will ever be involved in your care. You have the right to make choices about your care. We want you to be active in all your healthcare choices.

What if you became too sick to tell the doctor what you want your care to be? An advance directive is a way to make sure that your wishes are known. They are also called living wills. 

You can make decisions in advance of care. You can also name someone to make those choices if you cannot. This is called Medical Power of Attorney. This person should also be informed of your choices.

Creating Your Advance Directive

Iowa Total Care recommends all of our members create  an advance directive and designate a Medical Power of Attorney. Then, provide your advance directive to your Primary Care Provider.

Once you have completed your advance directive, ask your provider to put the form in your file. You can also talk to your provider about the decision-making process of creating your living will or advance directive. Together, you can make decisions that will set your mind at ease.

If you should ever need or want to, you can change your advance directive at any time. You should make sure others know you have an advance directive. You may also choose to designate a Medical Power of Attorney. That person should be made aware of your advance directive or living will as well.

With an advance directive, you can be sure that you are cared for as you wish, at a time when you cannot give the information.