The new Affordable Care Act has important implications for special needs planning. The Act requires insurance companies to cover all applicants regardless of pre-existing conditions. Now that the option of obtaining private insurance is a reality, how will this affect special needs planning?

AlerStallings works with many families that have a member with special needs, such as Down syndrome. Since October is “Down Syndrome Awareness Month,” we cannot think of a better time to encourage families to consider a special needs trust to protect a child with special needs. A special needs trust is an estate planning vehicle used to protect assets for a disabled beneficiary without jeopardizing his or her benefits, typically Medicaid and SSI.