Samsung TV Plus, the free, ad-supported streaming TV service from Samsung, has made a significant move by launching a selection of US content from the library of A+E Media Group. This initiative brings a diverse range of fan-favourite programmes to viewers across the UK and European regions.

Enriching Viewer Experience

The 12 new channels offer a plethora of entertainment options. UK fans of home renovations can immerse themselves in Flipping Nation and Tiny House Nation, where John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin traverse America, interacting with families and building innovative living spaces. For science and technology enthusiasts in the UK and Netherlands, Modern Marvels unveils the amazing stories of those who create everyday items and technological advancements.In the UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, viewers can enjoy US reality classics. Duck Dynasty follows the Robertson family's ups and downs as they make products for duck hunters. Dog the Bounty Hunter chronicles Duane 'Dog' Chapman's experiences as a bounty hunter. Ice Road Truckers provides insight into truckers driving across frozen lakes to deliver supplies. Ax Men showcases logging crews facing dangers in second-growth forests.Thrill-seekers can be captivated by I survived, which presents first-person accounts of people overcoming life-or-death situations. Hoarders follows compulsive hoarders as they confront their clutter. Intervention sheds light on people with different types of addiction.Admirers of the natural world can enjoy the Evolution Earth channel in the UK and Netherlands, with back-to-back episodes of the natural history show. And for Christmas family viewing, the new Lifetime Movies channel brings feel-good cinema.Jennifer Batty, Director of Content Partnerships at Samsung TV Plus and The Art Store, commented, "Our partnership with A+E Media Group enriches Samsung TV Plus, delivering top-quality content to our audiences in the UK and across Europe. The festive season is a key moment for advertisers, with families gathering to enjoy more shared viewing than at any other time of the year. By joining these celebrations, advertisers can reach highly-engaged, receptive audiences, making this season a powerful opportunity for brand visibility and recall."Mark Garner, EVP, Global FAST at A+E Networks, added, "Expanding our reach to new viewers while offering longtime fans additional ways to watch their favourite A+E series helps us create even deeper connections with diverse audiences across regions."

Taking time to plan and document a loved one’s preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care is of utmost importance. It helps respect and communicate their wishes to doctors while reducing unnecessary costs and anxiety. Currently, there is no federal policy mandating the completion of an Advance Healthcare Directive (AHCD), yet a significant portion of Medicare beneficiaries lack one. This article explores the need for such a directive and presents a comprehensive plan to address the issue.

Empowering Medicare Beneficiaries with Clear End-of-Life Care Preferences

Understanding the Significance of AHCD

AHCDs play a crucial role in ensuring that an individual's healthcare wishes are respected in medical emergencies or at the end of life. They typically include identifying a healthcare proxy and a living will, which details the treatments an individual wants to receive. Other complementary documents also help communicate treatment wishes. With the aging population, addressing end-of-life care challenges becomes increasingly urgent. Research shows that patients with ACPs are less likely to receive unwanted treatments and are more likely to receive comfort-focused care.

Historically, federal policies like the Patient Self-Determination Act have emphasized the importance of patient decision-making rights. However, despite these efforts and the availability of CMS provider reimbursement codes, there are still many barriers to completing AHCDs. Medicare beneficiaries often face cultural, religious, financial, and mental health reasons for avoiding these conversations. Additionally, the cost of completing an AHCD and the lack of uniformity in AHCDs across states pose challenges.

The Medicare Advance Healthcare Directive Enrollment Initiative

CMS should launch the Medicare Advance Healthcare Directive Enrollment (MAHDE) Initiative to support all Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. This initiative focuses on four interventions.

Streamline the Process

During open enrollment through Medicare.gov or an alternative CMS-approved secure ACP digital platform, beneficiaries can complete an electronic AHCD and renew it annually at no extra cost. User-friendly tools and resources are provided to guide beneficiaries through the process. Some states are also integrating electronic ACP completion into healthcare enrollment processes.

An annual electronic renewal process allows beneficiaries to review and update their selections. It also provides educational opportunities around end-of-life care. The electronic enhancements ensure that AHCDs are legally compliant and accessible across different states and health systems.

Remove Barriers to Access

CMS should remove the deductible and 20% coinsurance for voluntary ACP services with a physician or other qualified health professional. This would encourage more beneficiaries to complete their AHCDs. Additionally, continued health provider education and partnerships with organizations like The Conversation Project and Evolent can support ACP discussions.

Internal studies have shown that these enhancements can lead to significant savings in the final months of life and potential Medicare spending reductions.

Ensure Electronic Accessibility

CMS should integrate the Medicare.gov AHCD storage system or an alternative CMS-approved secure ACP digital platform with existing electronic health records (EHRs). This would prevent AHCDs from being misplaced and make them easily accessible across different healthcare systems.

External add-ons can be used to connect EHRs with AHCD storage systems, ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries' end-of-life care preferences are consistently honored.

Provide Financial Incentives

CMS should offer financial incentives like tax credits, reduced copayments, and prescription rebates for completing an AHCD. With Medicare's increasing costs, these incentives can provide financial relief to beneficiaries and encourage them to complete their AHCDs.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance can also help cover some of these costs, but additional financial support is needed to make AHCD completion more accessible.

Encourage Expansion of the NCQA's ACP HEDIS Measure

The MAHDE Initiative should be coupled with the expansion of the HEDIS measure to include all Medicare Advantage beneficiaries aged 65 and older. This would embed ACP into standard patient care and incentivize health plans to prioritize ACP.

By taking these steps, CMS can empower patients to engage in ACP and reduce medical costs nationwide. Starting with the Medicare population aged 65 and older can pave the way for expanding ACP efforts to other high-need groups and the general population.

Conclusion:When patients and their families are clear on their goals of care, it is much easier for medical staff to navigate crises. The MAHDE Initiative is a feasible way to support ACP and redesign the healthcare system. By educating patients and families about their options and providing the necessary tools and incentives, we can create a more patient-centered healthcare environment.