Filling out Your MyCare Document

Beginning your MyCare document can be confusing and overwhelming. Get It Done SB is here to help make this process easier!

Who should complete an Advance Directive?

We encourage everyone over age 18 to complete an advance directive. Your advance directive will help your medical team and loved ones understand and honor your health care goals if you have a medical emergency or are seriously ill and cannot speak for yourself.

When should you review and/or update your Advance Directive?

• When you renew your driver’s license

• When you form a long-term relationship

• When you have a child

• When you have a high-risk job

• When you belong to the military

• When you retire

• When you sign up for Medicare

• When you have your annual physical

• When you have a health condition

• When you’re close to the end of your life

Who is a Health Care Agent

A health care agent is the person you choose to make health care decisions for you if you’re unable to speak for yourself.

It is recommended that you choose only one person to be your first health care agent. This way decisions can be made quickly, and it helps avoid disagreements. You can choose a second and third person to be your health care agent in case your first health care agent is unavailable.

Who can be your Health Care Agent?

A family member, friend or someone who:

  • Is 18 years or older

  • Knows you well

  • Agrees to accept this responsibility

  • Can be trusted to honor your wishes and values

  • Can make difficult decisions in stressful situations

  • Can be calm and think clearly when talking with your medical providers, family, and friends

  • Can be contacted easily by your medical providers

Who cannot be your Health Care Agent?

• Your doctor

• A person who witnesses your signature on the MyCare Document

• Someone who works at the hospital, clinic, or facility where you receive medical care, unless he or she is a family member or domestic partner

Can you change your Advance Directive?

The best way to change your advance directive is by completing a new one so your health care goals are clear. Then you need to:

• Give new copies to your doctor, loved ones, and health care agent

• Destroy the old copies so your doctors, loved ones, and health care agents don’t get confused If you are seriously ill or injured and want to change your advance directive, but cannot complete an entire new document, it is recommended you:

• Sign an addendum designating changes OR

• Cross out the original choices, write in your new choices, initial the change, and re-sign and date it