Bill would let disabled Idahoans create savings accounts without jeopardizing benefits

A landmark bill designed to help developmentally disabled Idahoans be more independent is now before the full House.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Caroline Troy, R-Genesee, and Sen. Grant Burgoyne, D-Boise, allows disabled people to create federally approved savings accounts without fear that their state or federal benefits will be reduced.

The bill ties in with the federal ABLE program, which stands for “Achieving a Better Life Experience.” Individuals or their families can set aside as much as $14,000 per year, or a maximum of $100,000; the money can be used to pay for certain qualified expenses that typically aren’t covered by Medicaid or insurance, including education, housing, transportation and equipment-related expenses.

Jack Hansen, a developmentally disabled young man from Boise, was one of several people who spoke in favor of the bill.

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/article132143064.html