Healthy Family
Medi-cal

General health insurance can cover treatments and services necessary for people with disabilities with certain amount of deductibles and required co-payment. Without extra personal funding, many needed public health services might not be available. Every health insurance company has its own rules and policies. Therefore, confirm with insurance agents about benefits when applying for a policy. For people who cannot afford private health insurance, there are Medi-Cal and Healthy Family programs provided by the government.

Besides health insurance, there are many different insurance programs for preparing for the future including life insurance. Most of the insurance programs have lower monthly premiums when the insurance holder's age is younger. Parents of children with disabilities must plan carefully in applying for insurance. Earlier planning provides better preparation for a child’s future. Federal law excludes individuals from any federal supports when personal assets exceed $2000. For example, people with disabilities with more than $2000 in a bank account will not qualify for SSI or will receive reduced benefits for a maximum of 3 years.

Inheritance from the family also can affect the eligibility for government support programs for a person with disabilities. It is recommended to plan insurance coverage so that children with disabilities can avoid losing public support for their needs. Planned insurance will prevent higher taxation and allow parents to prepare their child with disabilities in achieving a high quality of life and living as independently as possible for the rest of their lives. Government benefits are limited so parents are recommended to plan ahead for children with disabilities to overcome their sole dependency on government support.

Establishing a Special Needs Trust is another way to plan how to use finance wisely for a child with disabilities after parents pass away. It also helps special needs children to obtain government assistance and gain access to support programs, meanwhile accessing available funds set up for him/her by parents. The information contained in this website is intended to be of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. Each individual situation varies. Effective legal advice requires a comprehensive understanding of each individual situation and facts, thoughtful application of the law and appropriate options based on individualized analysis. Plan ahead and consult your insurance agent or legal consultant, and apply for the appropriate insurance and a Trust account.

Info web sites:
• http://www.prudential.com/specialneeds
• http://www.insure.com/articles/lifeinsurance/special-needs-children.html
• http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11302.pdf
• http://www.insurancehelpforautism.com/