Idaho Report published this article for the first time on February 5, 2025.
A bill to enable disabled individuals to create ABLE accounts was advanced by the Idaho House Health and Welfare Committee.
People with disabilities who receive Social Security Income can save money for future qualified requirements like housing, transportation, or medical bills by using ABLE, which stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience.
People in Idaho are currently at risk of losing their eligibility for Social Security Income if they have more than $2,000 in their accounts. This deters people from saving money for things like auto repairs or uninsured medical care. The $2,000 does not include funds in ABLE accounts. ABLE accounts are only available to those whose disabilities started before the age of 26.
State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, who supported the bill on Wednesday, stated that Idaho, South Dakota, and North Dakota are the only three states in the nation without ABLE accounts at the moment.
Brittany Shipley, the mother of Hailey, testified in support of the bill, stating that ABLE accounts could eventually enable her disabled children to live independently.
According to Shipley, people are forced to deal with a paradox in the current system. They lose access to vital services like Medicaid or SSI if they save or earn too much money. In order to avoid institutionalization, they run the risk of losing vital services, which is a decision that nobody should have to make. ABLE accounts have a significant impact in this situation.
With no additional costs to the state, the bill will create an Idaho ABLE Account Advisory Council to provide guidance to the executive director of the Idaho State Independent Living Council and the Idaho State treasurer on actions and policies that improve the Idaho ABLE Account Program’s marketing, outreach, and education.
Rep. Lucas Cayler, a Republican from Caldwell, was the only one to vote no, stating that he did so in favor of limiting government.
The entire House of Representatives must now vote on the bill.
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