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Insights

Intelligence for better settlement decisions.

Clear briefings, practical examples, and timely developments for attorneys, recipients, and the families planning what comes next.

Current intelligence

Industry news.

Updated August 21, 202604 active briefings
01

Federal policy

ABLE eligibility expands to millions more people

The ABLE Age Adjustment Act raised the disability onset threshold from before age 26 to before age 46. The Social Security Administration estimates that the change could make roughly six million additional people eligible for tax advantaged ABLE accounts.

Planning signal

Settlement teams should revisit ABLE eligibility for adults whose disabilities began from age 26 through 45. An ABLE account may now be available as part of a broader trust and benefit preservation plan.

Read Social Security Administration ↗Open related guide ↗
EffectiveJanuary 2026
New onset limitBefore age 46
Planning roleBenefits and trust coordination
02

Medicare update

CMS changes its review policy for zero dollar set asides

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services no longer accepts or reviews Workers’ Compensation Medicare Set Aside proposals with a zero dollar allocation. CMS says parties should still use the reference guide criteria and retain documentation supporting the allocation.

Why it matters +

A zero dollar position is not the same as having no Medicare analysis. Counsel and claimants should document the facts, medical status, and rationale even when no funds are allocated for future Medicare covered care.

03

Consumer protection

Factoring practices enter the national spotlight

A widely reported Last Week Tonight investigation examined companies that purchase future structured settlement payments for immediate cash and questioned whether short court hearings and existing safeguards adequately protect vulnerable recipients.

Why it matters +

The attention reinforces the value of careful payment design, emergency liquidity, independent advice, and plain explanations of the long term cost of transferring future payments.

04

Industry report

Record activity brings growth and regulatory pressure

The National Structured Settlements Trade Association describes an industry entering 2026 with record production, new capital, broader product competition, and greater attention to consumer protection and factoring oversight.

Why it matters +

More choices make product comparison and disclosure increasingly important. Planning should evaluate carrier strength, guarantees, fees, market risk, liquidity, and long term fit rather than focusing on a single headline rate.

General education only. Rules and agency guidance can change. Review the original source and consult qualified professionals before acting.

Cases in practice

Concise educational examples showing how a coordinated plan can give every dollar a purpose.

01

Wrongful death

Creating stability after a sudden family loss

A family combined dependable income, education funding, legacy protection, and immediate liquidity after a wrongful death settlement.

The Thompson family$2.7 million net settlement
Read the case↗
02

Spinal cord injury

Balancing lifetime income with care and family goals

A layered plan addressed accessible housing, future medical costs, lifetime income, inflation, and education for two children.

Michelle R., age 42$3.2 million net settlement
Read the case↗
03

Traumatic brain injury

Protecting benefits while funding lifelong support

A Special Needs Trust and two complementary structured solutions supported long term care while preserving benefit eligibility.

Daniel F., age 23$4.5 million net settlement
Read the case↗

Source: Sage Settlement Consulting case study materials. Educational examples are not promises of future results.

Educational note

This page provides general information, not legal, tax, accounting, benefits, or investment advice. Rules and eligibility requirements change. Consult qualified independent professionals before acting.Start a conversation ↗