ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are a great new way for people with disabilities (or families on their behalf) to save money without harming their eligibility for important benefits like Medicaid or Social Security. Unfortunately, many Wisconsin residents don’t even know about ABLE or how to set up an account. That’s because Wisconsin is one of just 9 states that has chosen not to operate or market an ABLE program.
We can change this!
Bi-partisan legislators introduced an ABLE bill in January that would require the state Department of Financial Institutions to start an ABLE program. This will increase awareness about ABLE as a savings tool so people with disabilities and their families feel more secure about earning and saving more money in an ABLE account to put toward important extra expenses like transportation, housing or other support needs. You can learn more about ABLE here.
If you think Wisconsin should join the other 41 states with ABLE programs and make sure state residents with disabilities and their families know about ABLE here’s what you can do:
- Contact your State Assembly Representative and State Senator TODAY and ask them to support LRB-3165 and LRB-5380 – the ABLE bill!
- Go to Who are My Legislators to find your rep’s contact information: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/
Read the draft ABLE legislation.
Read the ABLE bill co-sponsor memo shared with legislators.
Want more information on how to use ABLE in Wisconsin? Check out The Arc Wisconsin ABLE resources.
