Public Benefits

Last month we discussed some initial things that every trustee of a special needs trust should do upon learning that the primary beneficiary has passed away. Now, we'll explore additional steps to consider when closing out the trust.

As part of this year's landmark healthcare reform law, the federal government is offering an insurance plan for people who have been denied private insurance due to a pre-existing medical condition. Most states will soon follow with plans of their...

President Obama has signed into law a bill eliminating use of the phrase "mentally retarded" from all federal law.

When you add a special needs trust to a financial aid calculation, things can get complicated because the regulations governing federal financial aid don't do a very good job of distinguishing special needs trusts from other types of trusts.

The Obama administration has suspended implementation of the CLASS Act, a proposed national long-term care insurance program . . .

The Boston Globe published a three-part special report that focused on children who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Unfortunately, the story gives the impression that children in this position make up the majority of young SSI recipients, when in...

The U. S. Supreme Court recently upheld the majority of the Affordable Care Act, also known as universal health care or Obamacare, but the court's decision leaves the future of Medicaid coverage for the very poor in doubt.

In many cases, the trustee of a special needs trust should hire a professional investment adviser. Here are some guidelines for hiring one.

A proposal to establish a new national long-term care insurance program for those with disabilities is under attack by the insurance industry.