Casey, Fitzpatrick Supported Bill Helps Disabled People Save For Future

The United States House of Representatives passed Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE Act, last week.

The bill, which was supported by local Republican Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, would help disabled people save money for the future that would help pay for education, health care, transportation, housing and other expenses.

“The ABLE Act would help ease the strain on those with physical and mental disabilities by allowing the creation of tax-free savings accounts,” Fitzpatrick, a member of the Congressional Autism Caucus, said while speaking on the House floor prior to the vote last week. “These savings accounts would work a lot like the popular 529 college savings plans. The accounts could be used to pay for life expenses such as education, housing, and transportation.”

“In other words, this bill levels the playing field for those with disabilities who cannot make use of tax-free college savings plans by giving families an alternative tax-free account that they can use.”

Here’s how Fitzpatrick’s office explains the bill:

The ABLE Act, of which Fitzpatrick is a co-sponsor, would allow families of children with disabilities, including autism, to set aside tax-exempt savings for unique expenses such as education, housing, transportation, or unforeseen expenses. Studies show, that families caring for a loved one with Autism pay up to six times more for medical costs than those families who don’t, as well as increased cost of care.

The ABLE Act would not remove other benefits that those with disabilities might be entitled to through Medicaid or insurance; rather, it would serve as a supplement, giving these families the flexibility to better plan and save.

RollCall.com reported last week that the cost of the bill could be covered through several cost-saving proposals. One of the proposals would stop Medicare ” from paying for “vacuum erection systems,” also known as penis pumps, which would save about $450 million.”

The bill is expected to be voted on by the Senate.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) is a supporter of the bill and told USAToday Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) was supportive of the vote.

“I urge the Senate pass the ABLE Act so that the president can sign it into law before the end of the year,” Fitzpatrick said.