September is an important month for raising awareness of a variety of health conditions, many of which impact people and families who rely on our services. As a pooled special needs trust, we understand the financial and emotional challenges that can arise when managing long-term care. This month, we spotlight five conditions—Alzheimer’s disease, alopecia, childhood cancer, leukemia & lymphoma, and rheumatic diseases—while discussing how our trust management services can help.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million Americans*, primarily those aged 65 and older, and its impact can be emotionally and financially draining for caregivers and families . With rising healthcare costs, families often struggle to provide the level of care their loved ones require. At Shared Horizons, we ensure that funds placed in special needs trusts are managed effectively, so that people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can receive the appropriate care without jeopardizing their eligibility for public benefits.
Alopecia
Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that leads to hair loss, affecting over 6.8 million people in the United States* alone. Although not life-threatening, alopecia can significantly impact a person's mental health and self-esteem. For those with severe forms, ongoing treatment costs for wigs, therapies, and mental health care can become financially taxing. By setting up a pooled special needs trust, people with alopecia can maintain their financial stability and access these essential services without worrying about losing their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid benefits.
Childhood Cancer
The emotional toll and the financial strain from treatments, hospital stays, and long-term care can be overwhelming for families. Each year, approximately 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer*. Pooled special needs trusts can help families manage medical expenses while safeguarding a child’s eligibility for essential public benefits. By creating a trust, families can instead focus on their child’s health and well-being.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
Blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma affect people of all ages, with an estimated 186,400 people diagnosed annually*. The treatments for these cancers—chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, and ongoing medical care—are often costly, and the road to recovery can be long. Special needs trusts are an effective way to manage funds for those affected, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the best possible care without jeopardizing their access to government benefits like Medicaid.
Rheumatic Disease
Rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma, affect more than 50 million Americans*, many of whom experience chronic pain, fatigue, and limited mobility . The ongoing treatment and need for assistive devices can create significant financial challenges. For people with rheumatic diseases, our pooled trust can help manage these expenses, ensuring that funds are used for necessary medical care, therapies, and home modifications while protecting their eligibility for public assistance programs
How Can Shared Horizons Help?
At Shared Horizons, we are committed to providing financial peace of mind for people facing significant health challenges. Our pooled special needs trust ensures that beneficiaries have access to the funds they need for care, treatment, and improved quality of life, while protecting their access to crucial government benefits. For those living with Alzheimer’s, alopecia, childhood cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or rheumatic diseases, financial stability is essential to navigating the complexities of healthcare and long-term support.
If you or a loved one could benefit from special needs trust services, please contact Shared Horizons today to learn more about how we can help manage your financial future while ensuring access to the care and services you deserve.
For more information, click here to be connected to a member of our team.
*Sources
More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease.
Source: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
Alopecia affects over 6.8 million people in the U.S.
Source: National Alopecia Areata Foundation, Alopecia Areata Overview
Approximately 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Source: NIH - National Cancer Institute
About 186,400 people are diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma annually in the U.S.
Source: NIH - National Library of Medicine
Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79905, USA
Corresponding author: ude.cshutt@gnirie.anna
More than 50 million Americans are affected by rheumatic diseases.
Source: Northwestern Medicine
These resources provide authoritative data and further information on each of these conditions.
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