FACT CHECK: No 'death panel' in health care bill
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press Writer
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Q: Does the health care legislation bill promote "mercy killing," or euthanasia?
A: No.
Q: Then what's all the fuss about?
A: A provision in the House bill written by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., would allow Medicare to pay doctors for voluntary counseling sessions that address end-of-life issues. The conversations between doctor and patient would include living wills, making a close relative or a trusted friend your health care proxy, learning about hospice as an option for the terminally ill, and information about pain medications for people suffering chronic discomfort.
The sessions would be covered every five years, more frequently if someone is gravely ill.
more:
http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/2009/08/10/D9A0ATK02_us_health_care_end_of_life_q_a/