proxy priority

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently conducted a study which found that only 42 percent of those surveyed have designated a “health care proxy” to make health care decisions for them if they lost the ability to make decisions themselves. In New York, the Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust - for example, a family member or close friend - to make health care decisions if you can’t. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes.  You may give the person you select as little or as much authority as you want by being specific in attachments to the document below.  Dr. Patricia Bomba, a national expert on advance care planning and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s vice president and medical director for geriatrics says, “Formally designating a person as your health care proxy and talking about your wishes with your family are critically important for ensuring that your desires are carried out.”

The form below can be found on the New York Attorney General’s website, www.oag.state.ny.us/health/proxy_form.pdf.  It is reprinted here for convenience, but can be printed full size or filled out on that webpage.  Once your Health Care Proxy has been signed, it's important to ensure that a copy is given to your agent, primary care provider, and other family members. It is also a good idea to consider carrying a copy in your wallet or purse, in case of unexpected emergencies.  You may also wish to review it with a lawyer. 

If you have not filled out a health care proxy yet, consider doing so now!