Disability Planning and Medicaid

Protecting Loved Ones With Special Needs and Preserving Family Assets

Planning for the future of a loved one with a disability involves unique challenges—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At The Law Office of Melissa E. Palmer, P.C., we help families in Texas protect public benefits, plan for long-term care, and create lasting support systems for vulnerable individuals.

What Is Disability Planning?

Disability planning ensures that a person with a disability is cared for—financially, medically, and legally—without jeopardizing vital public benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

We help parents, guardians, and caregivers establish legal protections and funding plans that support their loved one for a lifetime.

Our Disability Planning Services

We offer customized planning for children, adults, and seniors with special needs, including:

• Special Needs Trusts (SNTs)
  Protects eligibility for Medicaid and SSI while allowing funds to be used for quality-of-life expenses.

• Medicaid Planning
  Assists individuals and families with strategies to qualify for long-term care Medicaid without spending down all assets.

• Pooled Trusts & Third-Party Trusts
  Ideal for gifts, inheritances, or settlements intended to benefit a person with a disability.

• Guardianship & Alternatives
  Helps families establish legal decision-making authority or explore less restrictive supports (such as supported decision-making agreements).

• Letters of Intent
  Provides guidance to future caregivers about your loved one’s preferences, routines, and needs.

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Failing to plan can have serious consequences. A well-meaning gift or inheritance could cause someone with a disability to lose essential benefits. Without a plan, Medicaid eligibility may be denied, or your loved one’s care may fall to overburdened family members.

With the right legal tools in place, you can:

• Ensure continuity of care

• Maintain public benefit eligibility

• Protect family assets from nursing home or long-term care costs

• Provide peace of mind for the entire family

A Personalized, Respectful Approach

At our Houston-based firm, we understand the emotional and practical aspects of caring for someone with a disability. We offer compassionate counsel and clear, actionable legal strategies. Whether you’re planning for a child with special needs or an aging parent facing care decisions, we’re here to help.

Let’s Build a Secure Future Together

Reach out to The Law Office of Melissa E. Palmer, P.C. to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you create a plan that brings peace of mind and honors your loved one’s dignity, independence, and long-term needs.