Public Benefits

ABLE accounts are a relatively new planning tool available to individuals with disabilities. Here are details on the ABLE account programs of three states that allow out-of-state residents to open accounts.  ...

Many newly “wealthy” clients ask what the value is of staying on Medicaid. Shouldn’t millions of dollars be sufficient to pay for health care? There are a number of reasons why Medicaid is the far better choice.  ...

A U.S. Department of Education website that provides information on the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is no longer accessible and two senators are demanding answers from newly-appointed Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. ...

Individuals with disabilities under age 65 often face obstacles in purchasing Medigap insurance that older Medicare beneficiaries do not face.  In many states, Medigap policies are either not available to younger beneficiaries due to their age or the premiums are...

It is often necessary to modify a home in one way or another to accommodate a person with special needs.  But if the individual is the beneficiary of a special needs trust (SNT) and trust funds might be used to...

The Department of Health and Human Services recently investigated more than 200 instances of fraud and patient neglect in Medicaid-funded programs that provide caretakers for children, adults and the elderly. ...

Parents are often very familiar with the government benefits their child receives, but many don't think about the effect that their own estate plan can have on those benefits. ...

Personal care assistants (PCAs) may be an option to give caregivers needed help. Most states provide personal care services through their Medicaid programs to help families manage the daily care of children, adults and the elderly with long-term disabilities.  ...

Many parents feel intimidated at the thought of attending their child’s first Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, but with adequate preparation it can be an informative, successful and (relatively) stress-free experience.