Living Wills

• A living will is simply a way for you to let others know what health care decisions you want made if you ever lose the ability to express your wishes. Living wills are not mandatory in any state and can be as detailed or broad as you choose and as your state law allows. While you do have to make sure the living will meets the legal standards of your state, you have the right to make your own medical choices.
  
  

Legality

• Some states have laws that specifically address the impact that a living will has on insurance. For example, the state of Indiana specifically prohibits living wills from impacting insurance. Indiana Code section 16-36-4-17 states that creating a living will does not effect the sale of any insurance policy, nor does it modify any insurance terms of a policy that exists at the time of creation.
  
  

Requirements

• Living will requirements differ depending on the state in which you live. In general, you can only create a living will if you are an adult of sound mind. You can be specific or general in your living will with respect to the care you want to receive, but you must sign it and may have to have it signed by witnesses or notarized depending on where you live.
  
  

Living Will Registries

• People who create a living will should also take steps to ensure the document is made available in times of need. Some states have living will registries that allow people to file the document with a registry. Your doctor can then check the registry for your living will if it is ever needed. Your insurance company may also provide a method that allows you to ensure a copy of your living will is kept secure, or help you deliver it to your health care providers.