You’re aware of the dedication needed to provide day-to-day care and the challenge of locating appropriate assistance and services. You also know what extras are needed or have been wished for: therapeutic equipment, summer camp or a particular vacation. But what would happen to your loved one’s access to all those extras if something happens to you?

Appropriate planning is required to ensure that the same loving care will continue to be provided for your special needs individual when you are no longer able to.

	Medicare - not based on financial need, a federal program that helps cover medical expenses
	Medicaid - a federal program managed at the state level and based on financial need that helps cover medical expenses
	Medicaid Waiver Programs - programs that assist with medical costs or provide income for individuals who don't qualify for Medicaid
	Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income - a federal program that provides income to eligible individuals and may qualify the individual for other benefits available in their state such as food stamps or payment of Medicare premiums

Other programs that help cover medical expenses or provide health services include the State Children's Health Insurance Program, the Children with Special Health Care Needs provision, state mandated insurance programs and other programs offered at the state level.

Long term care insurance: to ensure that your medical expenses are covered with minimal (if any) impact on your disabled family member's financial plan.

Disability income insurance: to ensure you'll continue to receive an income if you are injured and can't work (especially if you're self-employed)

Trusts: funded in many ways, such as with personal assets, life insurance policies, or settlements from malpractice or personal injury suits, to ensure that your wishes for your loved ones are carried out.

Special Needs Trusts: If the person with a disability or other special needs owns or inherits property above a certain dollar value, it could make him or her ineligible for certain government programs. It could actually have a negative impact on his or her financial situation. A Special Needs Trust was designed especially for disabled and other special needs individuals, and can help to ensure a quality lifestyle for a lifetime.