OutBoise Magazine January 2015 | Page 12

12  |  OutBoise Magazine  | NEWS OutBoise.com | Issue 3.2 | January 2015 The answers to these questions are in the planning. More than most populations, we must as LGBT people plan out retirement more carefully and plan for our long term health care more carefully. A living will, durable power of attorney for health care and a will are the name of the game. Lets face it, here In Idaho and in many places in the country the local and state government are hostile to 1815 W Bannock St. Boise, Idaho 83702 the idea of our marriages being equal even though the federal judiciary has affirmed us. So for the time being we must take extra steps to advocate for ourselves. Phone: (208) 957-5777 What is a living will? A living will is a legal document that a person uses to make known his or her wishes regarding life prolonging medical treatments. It can also be referred to as an advance directive, health care directive, or a [email protected] physician’s directive. A living will should not be confused with a living trust, which is a mechanism for holding and distributing a person’s assets to avoid probate. It is important to have a living will as it informs your health care pro- facebook.com/Mpowermentboi viders and your family about your desires for medical treatment in the event you are not able to speak for yourself. What is a durable power of attorney for health care? A document that ensures that a person of your choosing will be allowed to make healthcare decisions for you according to your wishes should you become unable to speak for yourself due to medical or mental incapacitation. What is a will? A directive made by you that takes effect AFTER you die. Wills disperse your estate, give directives for funeral arrangements and assist your heirs in legally obtaining inheritance. Have any ideas on health topics for future issues? Send us an email at [email protected] www.mpowermentboi.org