Pooled Trusts: A Win for the Commonwealth

I’d like to quickly share a story about how 27 South Strategies played a key role in the reestablishment of pooled trusts for individuals 65 and older in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. You may have heard about the new “Long-Term Care” law in Massachusetts, or perhaps you were at the Ceremonial bill signing on September 26th, 2025 (I most certainly was), but if you would like some background - take a look at Governor Healey’s press release. This sweeping law covers a lot of new ground,, and we are thrilled to have played a role in one of the many consequential changes for seniors in Massachusetts..

We were brought on at the end of last year, joining an incredible team of experts, advocates, and attorneys to get this Pooled Trust legislation across the finish line. This was no ordinary process, as regulations outlawing pooled trusts for older individuals were finally set to go into effect, after years of delay. This change would have a devastating impact on our seniors and we knew that failure was not an option.

So What are Pooled Trusts?

Pooled trusts are a financial tool designed to assist individuals with disabilities, including seniors, in managing their resources without jeopardizing eligibility for essential benefits like Medicaid. But what does that actually mean? Our clients at Guardian Community Trust describe it best, but to put is simply: these assets are used for seniors to improve their quality of life in ways that Medicaid just does not. For example funds can be used for recreational and social needs, new sets of eyeglasses, companionship, denture care, and many other things. We ALL deserve to age with dignity.

 What Happened?

While the deadline for the regulations came and went, we continued to meet with legislative leadership, the dedicated bill sponsors, and their incredible staff members to ensure that the issue remained front and center. What followed was another example of the best of public service, something that we have come to expect in Massachusetts.

Whenever we encountered a roadblock, whether on policy, statutory, or legal interpretation, we were met with public servants eager to learn more. Even when there was disagreement, it always came with an open mind. I have long said that success in advocacy is more than just being right on the issue, or having the facts on your side. It is about trust. At the end of the day, we were honored to stand with the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House, and many other public officials and allies to celebrate the passage of this law.

We know that we will not always win every time, but you can be sure that we will be there with trust, integrity, and a strategy to get to that finish line.

NOTE: If you, a friend, or a family member are interested in learning more about a variety of special needs trusts and beyond, please do reach out to my friends at Guardian Community Trust.