Congressman Barney Frank
Representing Massachusetts' 4th District

Is it true that the healthcare legislation will encourage seniors to end their lives early?

In a recent statement, John Boehner, the Republican House Minority Leader, claimed that a draft of the health care legislation “may place seniors in situations where they feel pressured to sign end of life directives,” and that “this may start us down a treacherous path toward government-encouraged euthanasia if enacted into law.  This very serious charge has been repeated on conservative television and radio programs.

The claim is completely fallacious and irresponsible.  It has needlessly and callously struck fear in the hearts of millions of seniors, and has tried to turn that fear into political opposition to health care reform.

The provision does not “encourage euthanasia” – it allows individuals who are on Medicare to consult with a doctor about preferences for medical treatment if they become seriously or terminally ill in the future.  Under the current system, those who are aging or seriously sick and who wish to plan ahead cannot get Medicare reimbursement for such counseling.  The new rule would allow individuals to consult with their doctor if they wish once every five years.

For more information see this fact sheet from the AARP.