The question of whether a special needs trust (SNT) can cover prescription delivery services is a common one, and the answer is generally yes, with careful consideration of the trust’s terms and the beneficiary’s needs, but it’s not always straightforward. SNTs are designed to supplement, not replace, public benefits like Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and any expenditure must align with those regulations to avoid jeopardizing eligibility. Prescription delivery, while seemingly minor, falls into this gray area and requires careful planning. Roughly 65% of individuals with disabilities rely on government assistance for healthcare costs, making adherence to these regulations critically important.
What expenses *can* a special needs trust cover?
A special needs trust is a powerful tool, but it’s governed by strict rules. Generally, SNTs can cover expenses that improve the beneficiary’s quality of life *beyond* what government programs already provide. This includes things like specialized therapies, recreational activities, travel, and personal care. The key is that the expense must *not* be considered “sheltered” or already covered by Medi-Cal or SSI. For example, if Medi-Cal covers the cost of a medication, the SNT cannot also pay for that same medication; however, the SNT *can* pay for delivery fees, copays (within certain limits), or even the cost of a specialized pill organizer if it’s deemed medically necessary. It’s estimated that roughly 20% of SNT distributions are for quality-of-life expenses, showcasing the trust’s versatility in supplementing public benefits.
How do prescription delivery services fit into the picture?
Prescription delivery services, like those offered by companies such as PillPack or Amazon Pharmacy, can be a significant convenience and even a necessity for beneficiaries with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those who have difficulty managing their medications. While the cost of the medication itself would typically be covered by Medi-Cal or SSI, the *delivery fee* is often considered a supplemental expense that a SNT can cover. However, it’s crucial to document the need for the service; a doctor’s note stating the beneficiary’s inability to pick up prescriptions due to medical or physical limitations can be extremely helpful. Furthermore, it’s important to review the trust document to ensure it doesn’t specifically exclude such services. A detailed record of all deliveries and associated costs should be maintained for audit purposes.
What happened when David’s mother didn’t plan ahead?
David, a young man with cerebral palsy, relied heavily on his mother for all aspects of his care. When his mother unexpectedly fell ill, David was left struggling to manage his medications, which included several time-sensitive prescriptions. Without a designated trustee or a pre-arranged system for medication delivery, David missed several doses, leading to a health scare and a hospital visit. His mother had assumed someone would “figure it out,” but the lack of foresight and a proper SNT setup created a crisis. The hospital stay cost over $5,000, a sum that could have been avoided with a well-structured SNT and a clear plan for managing his healthcare needs. It was a painful lesson about the importance of proactive estate planning, not just for financial security but for ensuring his son’s well-being.
How did Sarah’s proactive planning save the day?
Sarah, a proactive mother, established a special needs trust for her son, Michael, who has Down syndrome. Recognizing his challenges with managing his medications, she specifically included provisions for supplemental healthcare expenses, including prescription delivery services. When Michael’s primary caregiver became unavailable due to a family emergency, the trustee of his SNT seamlessly authorized prescription delivery, ensuring he never missed a dose. The delivery service not only provided convenience but also offered peace of mind for both Michael and his remaining caregivers. This careful planning prevented a potential health crisis and demonstrated the power of a well-structured SNT in providing a safety net for individuals with special needs. The cost of the delivery service, averaging around $25 per month, was a small price to pay for the security and peace of mind it provided.
“Proper estate planning isn’t about death, it’s about life – ensuring your loved ones are cared for, even when you’re no longer able to provide that care yourself.” – Steve Bliss, Estate Planning Attorney.
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About Steve Bliss at Wildomar Probate Law:
“Wildomar Probate Law is an experienced probate attorney. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Wildomar Probate Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Wildomar Probate Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Wildomar Probate law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate call Wildomar Probate Attorney Today. Call for estate planning, wills and trusts, probate too. Wildomar Probate Law is a great estate lawyer. Probate Attorney to probate an estate. Wildomar Probate law probate lawyer
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Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “What is the difference between a testamentary trust and a living trust?” Or “Are retirement accounts subject to probate?” or “What is a pour-over will and how does it work with a trust? and even: “How do I rebuild my credit after bankruptcy?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.