The Financial Reality of Developmental Disabilities, with Keith Wargo

Paula Pant interviews Keith Wargo, CEO of Autism Speaks, about the overlooked financial realities of raising a child with a developmental disability. They cover the staggering lifetime costs—$1.4 to $2.4 million—and why many families delay planning because daily caregiving consumes all their attention. Wargo explains how federal benefits like Medicaid and SSI work, the critical "$2,000 asset limit" that can be tripped by a well-intentioned gift, and the essential tools for preserving eligibility: special needs trusts, second-to-die insurance, and ABLE accounts. The conversation also addresses trustee succession and the importance of involving siblings early. It's a practical, detail-rich guide for families who need to protect their loved one's future without accidentally disqualifying them from public support.