ABLE Bill Passes House in DC: Eases Financial Burdens For Disabled
From NewsObserver:
The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill introduced by Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina and Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., that would allow parents of severely disabled children to save for their long-term care through tax-favored savings accounts similar to 529 accounts used for college savings.
Now the measure, called the ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Act, will go to the Senate, where it has 75 sponsors, including Burr and Casey.
Burr and Casey first introduced the measure in 2009 and it has stalled since then, even though it has had a lot of bipartisan support. Burr’s office issued a copy of a Politico story that reported that the bill has few opponents now and it’s possible it will pass both chambers before the end of the year.
Burr, the state’s senior Republican senator from Winston-Salem, said in a statement: “I am incredibly pleased that the House passed the ABLE Act this evening. Families of individuals with disabilities often face overwhelming financial burdens associated with the expensive costs of healthcare, education, housing and transportation.
“The ABLE Act will make it easier for parents of disabled individuals to invest in their child’s future, thereby opening the door to a world of opportunities,” he added. “I am confident the Senate will swiftly pass the ABLE Act”
Read more here.
It’s basically amending Section 529 of the tax code to create a specific account for people with disabilities. It's like the college savings 529 plan and there is no age limit to have one. I have two young adult disabled daughters and plan to contribute to it. Also, for those who aren't aware, there is the IDA account which matches TRIPLE the contribution. That is TRIPLE free money. The funds are earmarked for specific use such as housing, medical, education, etc. Also, the individual can have this twice in their lifetime. I also plan to devote money to some stocks for compound interest to build for when they are older. It's not the perfect life I'd dreamed for them, but you go with a plan, you can let go some of the fear.
Posted by: Marie | December 10, 2014 at 02:40 AM
The history of mankind has been one of endless brutality. What did the Nazis do with their damaged citizens? Look at the track that we are on with partial birth abortion and the euthanasia movement. We are tilting ever more toward a disregard for humanity, especially when our national debt and over-committed promises will not allow us to fund every good thing we would like. If you do not post this I fully understand but look at the beliefs of the people we have put in charge and the future of damaged adults, or children for that matter, looks grim.
Posted by: Brad Call | December 05, 2014 at 01:25 AM
Yeah, Now adults -- what about them. For one thing they could reduce my property tax so I could support them.
Posted by: Benedetta | December 04, 2014 at 07:11 PM
And those of us whose sons and daughters are no adults? What about them?
Posted by: Jan R | December 04, 2014 at 05:17 PM
Severe. That is nice.
I have two that are not severe, but I don't see how they will survive on their own either. They are grown and we are still supporting them. I am so scared for them.
Posted by: Benedetta | December 04, 2014 at 10:04 AM