WisPACT, Inc. was created in 2003 as a nonprofit organization to create and manage pooled and community Special Needs Trusts for the benefit of individuals with disabilities. It originated from a collaborative effort among ARC Wisconsin, NAMI Wisconsin, Inc., the Wisconsin State Bar- Elder Law Section and the Wisconsin Alzheimers Association. WisPACT currently serves more than 1,600 beneficiaries throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Check them out here: http://www.wispact.org/

Because of the limitations on assets to qualify for means-tested public benefits (primarily Medicaid, SSI), a person with a disability with assets of more than $2,000 only has two choices: immediately spend all the money, or put the money in a SNT. With large sums (e.g., from an injury settlement), it is often impossible to spend all the money and not create an available asset. Gifted assets have a five-year look back restriction. However, by putting their assets into a SNT, a person with a disability can receive public benefits and conserve his or her assets. These assets can be later used to pay for certain expenses which willimprove the quality of their life.

The following programs can be supplemented by a SNT:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Supplemental Security Income Exceptional Expense (SSI-E)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Medicaid (aka Medical Assistance, MA, Title 19)
• Medicare
• Many home and community-based services under Medicaid such as Family Care

Maybe you know someone who could benefit. For more information, check WisPACT out here: http://www.wispact.org/

Perhaps this can help someone out there.

Cheryl