April is recognized annually as Autism Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to highlight the organizations and partners doing indispensable work to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One of the premier organizations in this field – and a PLAN Partner – is the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE), which provides crucial services and support […]

This past March marked the 60th year of celebrating National Social Work Month across the country. The roots of this effort lie in early efforts by social workers to draw attention to the critical role they play in helping people, especially those who have been marginalized by society or who live with disabilities and other […]

Since 1963, March has been recognized as National Social Work Month, in honor of the tireless workers who break down barriers and help people access critical services across our society. At PLAN, social workers are integral to our mission of helping people with disabilities preserve their assets and live full, dignified lives. Our team of […]

Hello Everyone,

This past year has certainly been a challenge. Despite everything, we have seen triumphs of the human spirit. For those of us who work with people with special needs…

The ability to keep vulnerable loved ones at home with supports for as long as they are safe has been a viable option for some time in Massachusetts. M.G.L. c. 111, s. 2 states, “A person seeking admission to a long-term care facility paid for by MassHealth shall receive pre-admission counseling for long-term care services, […]

Rose Osborne 1924 – 2018 Here at PLAN of MA & RI, we are grateful on this Thanksgiving 2020, for being able to help our beneficiaries enjoy living their lives to the fullest with the people, things and animals that mean the most! Even though she has passed on, our beneficiary, Rose, was able to […]

Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of MA & RI is saddened to hear of the recent passing of long-time friend and board member, Phyllis S. Solomon. Phyllis, along with her late husband Albert, were among the original founders of our non-profit organization, the origins of which date back to 1961. Along with a group of […]

Please contact your state representatives about this important amendment to help seniors 65+ continue to have access to Special Needs Pooled Trusts. We have until 1:00 p.m. today to reach out as this is being debated TODAY! Thank you for your support! Amend #116 Pooled Trust (S2842)

We are pleased to announce that the Albert N. Solomon Memorial Trust Fund is accepting grant applications from class members of the Paul A. Dever School/Developmental Center (“Dever Class Members”).  The Albert N. Solomon Memorial Trust Fund, (formerly known as the PADARC Trust Fund), was established in 1988 exclusively to benefit certified Dever Class Members […]

Special Needs Trusts can be complicated! We’ve created a presentation that summarizes the overall differences between various types of special needs trusts, what PLAN offers, and which ones may be a good fit for you and/or someone you care about.  

Dear Beneficiaries, Valued Partners and Colleagues, As we move forward together into 2020, and as I move into the role of Executive Director in my twelfth year here at PLAN of MA and RI, I am delighted to share with you some intentions about our immediate next steps. We will continue to: Deliver outstanding special […]

October has come and gone without action by MassHealth regarding pooled special needs trusts. While there has been no official statement from MassHealth, we have learned that the agency may not issue pooled trust regulations until January.  We continue to work closely with MA NAELA on advocacy efforts. The implications of the delay, as we […]

Special needs trusts are legal and financial tools that are set up for people with disabilities to cover supplemental expenses not paid for by public benefits. Trustees of special needs trusts must ensure that beneficiaries remain eligible for need-based government benefits and strike a balance between the beneficiary’s current and future needs. Because these accounts […]

People with disabilities, their families and professionals setting up long-term care and financial plans must consider a long list of concerns, including required services, costs, funding strategies, the people involved, and how the care plan will impact relationships over long periods of time. One of the best choices for long-term financial support and care that […]

Mary has a college degree in retail marketing, and works part-time at a gift shop when she is feeling well. The shop owner is a family friend, who allows Mary great flexibility. There are times when Mary is unable to work for a month or more. When Mary is working, she is a great help […]

Alice and John, Bobby’s parents, had heard about special needs trusts over the years. They always had assumed that a trust was for families with significant resources. When they learned about PLAN, they found a solution – a pooled trust that fit their financial situation. They also learned about the possibility of setting up a […]

Anthony’s health was deteriorating, and he was finding it harder to live independently. His income put long-term care insurance outside of his budget. Anthony’s situation is not unusual. The federal government reports that about 70% of people over age 65 will require at least some type of long-term care services, but that only about 10% […]