Boot Camp: Understanding and Accessing Long-Term Supports & Services

Boot Camp: Understanding and Accessing Long-Term Supports & Services
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Welcome & Announcements
Craig Reaves

8:30 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

LTSS Update: What's New, What's Next
Marielle Hazen
This session provides a timely overview of recent developments in Long-Term Support Services (LTSS), with a focus on how changes at the federal and state levels impact individuals with disabilities and those relying on special needs trusts. Attendees will gain insights into evolving eligibility rules, funding trends, and service delivery models to better support their clients in navigating the LTSS system.

9:20 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.

Government Benefits and its Role in Paying for LTSS
Christopher Smith
Eligibility for certain government benefit programs (primarily Social Security and Medicaid) is the initial key necessary to unlock access to most long-term care supports and services. In this session, we will explore the disability criteria for eligibility for these programs and key concepts for financial eligibility for these programs, including income, asset, and deeming criteria.

10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Break and Visit with Sponsors and Exhibitors
Sponsored by Special Needs Alliance

10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.

Federal Medicaid Waivers
Kandace Rudd
An overview of federal Medicaid waivers, including Section 1115, 1915(b), and 1915(c) waivers. Attendees will explore the legal framework enabling states to modify standard Medicaid rules to test innovative care delivery, provide benefits and services not typically covered, manage costs, or expand access to targeted populations. Topics will include the statutory authority behind waivers, policy considerations, federal oversight, litigation, and enrollee rights under waiver programs.

11:20 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Trust Me: Ensuring Long-Term Planning Aligns with Medicaid and Managed Care Requirements
Elizabeth Moran
Aligning long-term care planning, decision-making supports, and trust considerations with Medicaid eligibility rules and managed care requirements is crucial to support client well-being and financial security. This session explores how managed care operates within the Medicaid framework, including how services are authorized, who makes decisions, and what role care coordinators play. Learn how to advocate effectively for clients in a way that honors their will and preference while ensuring that special needs trusts and other long-term planning aligns with managed care requirements.

12:10 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.

Lunch
Sponsored by Life Enrichment Trust

1:40 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Intersection of Long Term Care and Housing Options
Roxanne Chang
Housing options for long term care will be explored, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, homes for the aged/adult foster care homes, and nursing facilities, and how they differ in the levels of care provided.  The session will also identify various sources for payment and opportunities for advocacy for individuals needing long-term care.

2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m.

Ten Medicaid Regulations You’ll Want to Know
Amy O'Hara
Navigating Medicaid can be tricky, but understanding these ten key regulations will help you stay compliant and protect your clients. This session breaks down the essential rules you need to know, with real-world examples to make them easy to grasp and apply.

3:20 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.