Most people know the estate planning essentials: wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. But there’s one crucial document that often goes unnoticed — until it’s too late. The HIPAA authorization may not make headlines, but its role is critical in protecting your family’s ability to help during a medical emergency. Why Privacy Protections Can Become Barriers HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is designed to safeguard your medical information. While it does an excellent job of protecting your privacy, it can unintentionally create major roadblocks for your loved ones when you’re unable to speak for yourself. A Small Form With Major Power Why Your Estate Plan Isn’t Complete Without a HIPAA Release
What Happens Without One Failing to include a HIPAA authorization can lead to:
A HIPAA authorization allows you to name specific individuals, such as your spouse, adult children, or a trusted health care agent, who may access your medical records and communicate directly with your doctors. Without it, even those closest to you may be left in the dark during a critical moment. How It Strengthens Your Estate Plan Adding a HIPAA authorization to your estate plan offers several critical benefits:
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Health care providers being legally restricted from sharing your medical information Delays in time-sensitive medical decisions Unnecessary disputes among family members or confusion about who is authorized to act
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Access Vital Information Faster: In an emergency, every moment counts. Granting access to medical details ensures your care team and family are aligned quickly and clearly. Inform Your Health Care Agent: If you’ve appointed someone through a medical power of attorney, they need to be fully informed to make the best decisions on your behalf. Reduce Emotional Distress: When your family members can communicate openly with health care providers, they feel more confident and reassured, which is precisely what they need in a difficult moment.
These outcomes are completely preventable with just a bit of planning and professional guidance. Your Next Step Toward Peace of Mind At Merlino & Gonzalez, we understand that thoughtful estate planning goes beyond the basics. A HIPAA authorization may seem like a minor detail, but in a crisis, it can make all the difference. We’re here to help you put every safeguard in place so you and your family are protected, supported, and confident in your plan. Ready to complete your estate plan with clarity and care? Contact our team today to learn how we can help.
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We look forward to entertaining family and friends in our new home, exploring our community, and continuing to discover new places together. After 45 years of marriage and all those years as high school sweethearts, we still enjoy the simple pleasures: beach days, family, and friends. And it’s comforting to know we have a team like Merlino & Gonzalez in our corner, helping us protect everything we’ve built. To anyone on the fence about estate planning: Don’t be intimidated. With the right people, it’s easier than you think. And if you’re looking to make a move or plan for the future, we can say from experience that you’re in good hands with this firm. They’ve been a part of our journey for over 25 years, and we’re glad to have them on this next adventure with us.
ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF Michele’s Recipe Corner
INSPIRED BY ALLRECIPES.COM
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup butter •
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1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
–Hank and Blanche Edwards
2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces
2 1/4 cups vegetable broth Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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1/2 cup cashew halves
DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm.
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