Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2011 (S. 1872/H.R. 3423)
The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2011 (S. 1872/H.R. 3423) was introduced on Nov. 15th in the 112th Congress (2011-2012 Congressional cycle). The bill is being led by a bipartisan,bicameral set of Congressional champions, including Senator Robert Casey, Jr., (D-PA), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the ability to save for their child's future just like every other American family, and help people with disabilities live full, productive lives in their communities without losing benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources. The account could fund a variety of essential expenses for individuals, including medical and dental care, education, community based supports, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation.
The ABLE Act provides individuals with disabilities the same types of flexible savings tools that all other Americans have through college savings accounts, health savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts. The legislation also contains Medicaid fraud protection against abuse and a Medicaid pay-back provision when the beneficiary passes away. It will eliminate barriers to work and saving by preventing dollars saved through ABLE accounts from counting against an individual’s eligibility for any federal benefits program. We currently have 6 cosponsors in the Senate and 40 in the House. If your Member hasn’t signed on, please take a few moments and email your Rep and two Senators by clicking here.
Additional Resources:
Washington Times Article: ABLE Act is a Step Worth Taking
ABLE Act of 2011 Background
ABLE Act Customizable Press Release
ABLE Act Press Conference Photos
Actress Lauren Potter Speaks Out About the ABLE Act
Press Release: ABLE Coalition Grows to 49 Advocacy Organizations
Left: Sophia Pineda, a self-advocate from Fredericksburg, Virginia with Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-Florida) at the ABLE Act Introduction Press Conference
Right: Sara Wolff, self-advocate and NDSS Board Member, speaking at the ABLE Act press conference
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