The Future of Special Needs Trusts Under the ACA

The Special Needs Trust, also known as a "spendthrift" trust, is a valuable tool to help those with disabilities keep their assets, maintain quality of life, and avoid losing their public benefits. There are several things that must be taken into consideration when setting up such a trust, such as how much funding is enough, how to coordinate it with government benefits, and drafting of the letter of intent. The enactment of the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, has a direct impact on Special Needs Trusts and on the medical care of the beneficiary.

This program takes a comprehensive look at the Special Needs Trusts, including when and why to set one up for your client. It also delves into the intersection between this type of trust and changes to healthcare law under the ACA. Among the topics explored are access to health insurance under the ACA, the promotion of asset building, tax breaks and tax hikes under the ACA, alternatives to the Special Needs Trust, and insurance exchanges.

Published: 5/1/2014