Public Benefits

Even before the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) expanded Medicaid access for hundreds of thousands of people, a little-known program called Medicaid Buy-In allowed people with disabilities who work to qualify for Medicaid benefits even though their incomes...

Special Needs 101

SSI and SSDI are both federal programs that provide cash payments to people who meet the federal definition of "disabled." But the similarities between the two programs end there.

Special Needs 101

Although it took more than a year of back and forth, a comprehensive health care reform bill and an associated reconciliation bill finally passed both houses of Congress. ...

Special Needs 101

Some special needs trusts may be eligible for considerable tax savings. Here's how.

Special Needs 101

Funds held in a properly drafted special needs trust will not affect a SSI or Medicaid recipient's benefits. However, funds disbursed in a manner that violates SSI or Medicaid rules can impact these benefits.

Special Needs 101

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps people with disabilities and very low incomes pay for food, clothing, and shelter. ...

Special Needs 101

Many Medicaid recipients don't realize that their health insurance coverage generally will not provide a full set of benefits should they require care while out of state.

Special Needs 101

Trial lawyers can be held liable for failing to inform their clients of the effect proceeds of a suit can have on their benefits, even years after the matter has ended. While litigators need not become experts in probate and...

While President-elect Obama's initial focus will doubtless be the economy when he takes office, those with special needs should be able to look forward to initiatives that will create positive change.