$1.35 billon. That’s the amount of the recent Mega Millions jackpot. It has been all over the news because it has been awhile since anybody has won the jackpot.  It has brought up the question: what would you do with a billion dollars?  Obviously, everybody has a different answer to the question and there is no right or wrong answer.  Responses to this question widely vary.  While some people dream really big and have extravagant ideas, others are more conservative and think strategically.  It’s an interesting question for everyone to ponder.  For people with disabilities or those who rely on government programs, the thought of suddenly having that much money is almost daunting.

“It wouldn’t really be beneficial to me if I won the jackpot, “ I said to my parents a few years ago when one of the lottery games had an enormous jackpot.  My dad disagreed and said yes it would.  Since my parents and I always have the topic of my care on our minds, my dad explained that I could pay people decently to take care of me.  We could hire and pay people decent wages to stay with me around the clock (while I don’t need 24/7 care right now, I’m realizing more and more how nice it’d be to have someone around to help me with things all the time).  I agree, but I don’t think winning the lottery would solve all my care troubles.

What would I do with one billon dollars (ok, about 474 million after taxes)?  That’s a very good question.  It’s interesting to think about because while, yes, almost everything in my life would change, my needs wouldn’t.  I’d still need caregivers to assist me with all my daily needs, I’d still need accessible housing of some sort, I’d still need medical professionals and other specialists to help me with my medical and equipment needs...the list goes on and on.  Would I still be able to receive the services I need?  Obviously and rightfully so, I’d be off all government assistance, but how would that work logically?  Would I be kicked out of my income-based apartment right away? What would happen with all of my insurance things?  Having so many needs, would I even be able to get private insurance?  I’d be able to buy all the equipment, but would I still qualify for assistive technology support?

Now, I realize that even thinking about this is pretty silly—especially since I’ve never bought a lottery ticket—but, what is the first thing I’d do after winning the lottery?  After contacting my immediate family (and probably going out for a nice dinner to celebrate), calling and meeting with a lawyer and financial advisor, I’d begin notifying government entities to try to figure out how to move forward. Next, I’d have to figure out a place to live.  I don’t think there are too many accessible millionaire homes readily availability in this country, so I’d probably find a big condo in a big city and have it renovated.  Then, assuming I’d be off my long-term care support, I’d have to figure out how I was going to do my care.  Since I wouldn’t be limited by insurance, I’d probably seek out a nice home care (believe it or not, some do exist—it’s just that only accept certain insurance or private pay) to set up care.  I’d buy an accessible van and hire and insure drivers to drive me everywhere.  I’d have to figure out health insurance.  Due to having a significant pre-existing condition, finding insurance maybe challenging, but I’d be able to afford a hefty insurance plan.

What would I do?  Would I continue working?  Probably not—at least not for pay.  Would I continue to advocate?  I can’t imagine that I wouldn’t because it’s who I am.  After ensuring my family and I were set for life, I think I’d start donating my money.  No idea how this would be possible, but I think I’d figure out a way to donate money to direct care workers.

It’s impossible to fathom having that much money.  To most people, one billion isn’t really even a realistic number.  Suddenly having that much money would drastically change anybody’s life.  Persons with disabilities are no different; however, we might have some extra things to take into consideration. Being financially stable would definitely make life easier, but it likely wouldn’t solve all our problems. In some ways in may in fact create new ones.  While the odds of winning a big lottery jackpot are extraordinarily low, it’s fun to daydream about what life would be like as a billionaire! 

***The views expressed here are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of InControl Wisconsin, the Network or any of our sponsors.