If a child or adult with disabilities is on SSI or Medicaid and suddenly inherits money, that “gift” can accidentally trigger a benefits crisis. SSI has a strict $2,000 resource limit, and Nebraska Medicaid rules can be different depending on the program, so a direct inheritance can mean interrupted checks, delayed services, and a paperwork spiral. In many cases, a first-party special needs trust (also called a d4A trust) is the fix that protects both the inheritance and vital benefits, as long as it’s set up correctly and on time. This article explains how d4A trusts work in Nebraska, the age rule that trips families up (often phrased as “64 or younger”), what the trust can pay for, and the biggest mistakes to avoid when money is already on its way.

Nebraska’s 2025 Executive Order 25-16 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to review and possibly terminate Medicaid participation for providers involved in or affiliated with abortion services. While the order doesn’t name Planned Parenthood, it could affect clinics excluded from Medicaid in other states. The measure reflects Nebraska’s broader pro-life laws and may reshape access to reproductive health care. This post explains the order’s legal foundation, implementation timeline, and potential impact across the state.