Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc.

Effective December 6, 2024: Seniors aged 65 and older have the option to set up first party pooled trust accounts without a transfer penalty! A new provision included as part of the Omnibus Long Term Care Bill will allow seniors to set up first party pooled trust accounts without a transfer penalty, beginning on 12/6/24. This update codifies the recognition of facts about pooled trusts—i.e., the extent to which they show a transfer for value, and not an uncompensated gift. PLAN of MA & RI is proud to work with hundreds of seniors and looks forward to connecting with more seniors as this law reopens the pooled trust option for them. MassNAELA

Long-Term Care Bill (H.5033) signed into law by Governor Healey Governor Healey signed into law a provision that restores the viability of pooled trusts for seniors aged 65 and older, essentially repudiating the harsh penalty rule that MassHealth put in place last March 1. Seniors can now set up first party pooled trust accounts without a transfer penalty as of 12/6/24. The new provision is included as Section 19 of the Omnibus Long Term Care Bill. It modifies G.L. c. 118E, s. 28, by adding criteria for recognizing fair market value in a first party pooled trust for individuals aged 65 and older. Importantly, the calculation of fair market value must include amounts that are reimbursed to the Medicaid program upon the death of the beneficiary. The new law technically will go into effect on December 6, 2024. Our new law merely codifies the recognition of facts about pooled trusts—i.e., the extent to which they show a transfer for value, and not an uncompensated gift.

We are so proud to partner with Northeast Arc to help to improve the lives of individuals of different abilities. Joan McGrath Jo Ann Simons

Governor Maura Healey signing the “Long Term Care” bill into law ensuring access to Special Needs Trusts for people over 65. This is the culmination of years of hard work by so many, including PLAN of MA & RI CEO Joan McGrath

We are so proud to support Road To Responsibility, Inc. for all of the truly amazing work that they do to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Celebrate #NationalEstatePlanningAwarenessWeek with the Carroll Center for the Blind by joining us for a webinar on?Wednesday, October 9 at 12:00 PM (EST)!?We've?partnered with experts from?PLAN?of MA & RI, our Exclusive Trust Partner, and the law firm of Bowditch & Dewey to offer this informational webinar about Estate?Plans, Special Needs Trusts, and how they can help you and your loved ones?plan?for your future. What You'll Learn About: ? The different components of an Estate?Plan ? The various types of Special Needs Trusts ? Why a Special Needs Trust is beneficial for an individual with a disability ? How to provide funds for an individual with a disability without interfering with public benefits Register today: https://lnkd.in/eeAtAGRP #EstatePlanning #SpecialNeeds

Nancy Galvin had the privilege of meeting Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street at The Arc RI Resource Fair and Backpack Drive. Abby's character was created to promote Inclusion and Diversity!

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of MA & RI (PLAN) was proud to be a resource for families at The Arc of Greater Brockton Open House and Back to School Bash, along with our partners from Best Buddies in Massachusetts & Rhode Island and Special Olympics Massachusetts. PLAN spoke to families about how a Special Needs Trust can be used to supplement public benefits.

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. is proud to continue our partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts for the fourth year! Our organizations support individuals with disabilities and their families and our missions are closely aligned. PLAN is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization providing professional trustee services for special needs trusts. Proudly serving people with all disabilities for over 50 years. Recognized for prudent, high-quality oversight of each individual trust account. Funds are administered with individual benefits in mind to avoid negatively affecting their eligibility for means-tested benefits while supporting quality of life. Joan McGrath Mary Beth McMahon Clare Keating Nancy Galvin Lisa May

Check out the current episode of the PLAN Podcast with guest, Senator Patrick O'Connor, a staunch advocate for individuals with disabilities. https://lnkd.in/eKQFQRkB