Overview
Frequently asked questions for patients considering the End of Life Option Act are addressed in detail here.
Frequently asked questions
No. At present, use of EOLOA medications isn't allowed on UCSF property.
If you live in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, you should check your facility's policy on pursuing and taking EOLOA medications.
No. You have the option to stop the EOLOA process at any point.
If you have completed the request, you do not need to move forward with having the medications prescribed or ingesting them.
No. A doctor's participation in EOLOA is voluntary. However, according to the law, if you are eligible for EOLOA, your doctor needs to document your request in the medical record and refer you to a provider who is willing to participate.
Unfortunately, these medications are not covered by most insurance plans or hospice care, and they can be costly. Typically, the medications cost $700 for the prescription, plus delivery fees. If you have Medi-Cal the cost may be covered.
No. You may complete these visits in person or remotely via telehealth.
No. You must be physically in the state of California to pursue the EOLOA process with your UCSF doctors.
No. At this time, only established UCSF patients are eligible to pursue EOLOA with UCSF.
No. Doctors providing inpatient care are unable to prescribe EOLOA medications.
You need to be referred to a clinic after you leave the hospital to complete the EOLOA steps. However, while hospitalized, you may ask your inpatient team for additional information about the EOLOA process.
No. The medications come in a powdered form that's mixed with a liquid to make a solution. This solution can be swallowed, administered rectally via catheter (a thin, flexible tube) or administered through a feeding tube.
You must be able to use one of these three routes without assistance. There is no legal option for ending your life with IV medications under either California state or federal law.
If you are already enrolled in hospice and decide to pursue EOLOA, you may be able to work with your UCSF doctors and your hospice team to complete the steps for accessing this resource.
Please ask your doctor for guidance.
The law provides several protections for you:
- You cannot be denied health insurance because of deciding to pursue EOLOA.
- Your health insurance provider cannot tell you whether EOLOA medications are covered unless you ask directly. If you're concerned about insurance coverage or cost, talk to your doctor and your health insurance provider.
- Your health insurance plan cannot refuse to cover treatment for your disease while it offers coverage for EOLOA medications.
- A life insurance carrier cannot deny life insurance benefits because you have opted to pursue EOLOA.
- A will, contract or other agreement cannot force you to receive EOLOA medications or prevent you from receiving them.
We encourage you to reach out to your doctor so your medical team can connect you to additional supportive resources. Please also see the resources listed at the bottom of this page.