Essential Steps for Academy Sports and Outdoors Employees: Planning for the Future of a Child with Disabilities

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Academy Sports and Outdoors Academy Sports and Outdoors employs various healthcare providers for its employees, with UnitedHealthcare being one of the prominent insurers offering plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. Given the company's extensive workforce, they seek competitive healthcare solutions that cater to the diverse needs of their employees across different states. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As the landscape of healthcare costs evolves, 2026 is poised to bring significant challenges for consumers, particularly those enrolled in ACA plans. Experts anticipate sharp premium increases, with some states experiencing hikes exceeding 60%, primarily due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies and rising medical costs. The Kaiser Family Foundation warns that without legislative action, roughly 22 million marketplace enrollees could see their out-of-pocket costs soar by over 75%. This perfect storm of factors not only threatens affordability but also exacerbates access to vital healthcare services for millions. Click here to learn more

Parents employed in Academy Sports and Outdoors may relate to how raising a child is expensive and can cost a quarter of a million dollars, not including college. For a child with special needs, that cost can more than double.1 If you’re the parent of a special needs child, it’s vital to ensure your child will continue to be provided for after you’re gone. It can be difficult to contemplate, but with patience, love, and perseverance, a long-term strategy is attainable and can help bring some peace of mind.

Envisioning a Life Without You

Just as every child with special needs is unique, so too are the challenges facing their families when planning for the long term. As an employee of Academy Sports and Outdoors, you must think about the potential needs of your child. Will they require daily custodial care? Ongoing medical treatments? Will your child live alone or in a group home? Can family members assume some of the care? Answers to these and other questions can help form the vision of what may need to be done to plan for your child’s care.

Planning Your Estate

Without proper planning, your child’s lifetime needs can quickly outstrip your funds. With that under consideration, those in Academy Sports and Outdoors may want to consider government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, which your child may qualify for depending on their situation. Because such government programs have low-asset thresholds for qualification, you may want to consider whether to make property transfers to your special needs child.

As an employee of Academy Sports and Outdoors, you should also make sure you have an up-to-date will that reflects your wishes. Consider creating a special needs trust, the assets of which can be structured to fund your child’s care without disqualifying them from government assistance.2

Involve the Family

All affected family members should be involved in the decision-making process. If at all possible, it’s best to have a united front of surviving family members to care for your child after you’ve passed on.

Identify a Caregiver

In order for a caregiver to make financial and health care decisions after your child reaches adulthood, the caregiver must be appointed as a guardian. Those in Academy Sports and Outdoors may want to consider how this can take time, so start setting this in motion as soon as you can amidst your busy work schedule.

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To do this, you can write a “Letter of Intent” to the caregiver and family to express your wishes along with information about your child’s care. Academy Sports and Outdoors parents must acknowledge that although this isn’t a legal document, it may help to communicate your desires. Store this letter alongside your will, in a safe place.

Academy Sports and Outdoors parents must understand that planning for a child with special needs can be complicated and overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Working with loved ones and qualified professionals can help you navigate the various facets of this challenge. If we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

1. Policygenius, 2019
2. Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.