On a financial level alone, parents of children with complex medical needs and intellectual disabilities face significant challenges, from covering medical and child care costs to navigating local, state and federal programs. I strongly recommend consulting with a K of C agent, as well as an attorney and accountant who focus on special needs planning and can provide expert advice tailored to your family’s needs.
A comprehensive care plan would likely include life insurance policies and long-term care insurance for both parents, and possibly a special needs trust. Everything should be considered in light of a driving question: How will your child be cared for if he or she outlives you and your spouse, and what do you hope that care will look like? These are difficult scenarios to grapple with, but the earlier parents start these discussions, the better. Know that you’re not alone: According to the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children’s Health, 1 in 5 households in the United States are caring for a child with special needs.
As a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 35 years, I’ve seen countless brother Knights standing up for the vulnerable and supporting initiatives that aid people with intellectual or physical disabilities. And I’m proud that K of C agents help provide parents peace of mind that their child will be cared for with dignity.
Visit kofc.org/familyfinance for more information, including important disclosures.
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THOMAS G. WATERS is a field performance specialist for the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. Peter Chanel Council 13217 in Roswell, Ga.








