If you have a child or loved one with special needs, having a special needs estate plan gives you the opportunity to give them a bright future that goes beyond just the essentials – food, shelter, and medical care.  This plan focuses on the unforeseen issues that can arise as we grow older and provides reassurance that your loved one will never go without the “non-essentials” (such as companion care, education opportunities, clothing, entertainment outings, travel expenses to visit family, a wheelchair, and medical and dental expenses not covered elsewhere, and more) that aren’t covered under government benefits programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security Disability, Social Security Disability Insurance, and VA Benefits.  Non-essentials, include but are not limited, to the list of items below.