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More than 400,000 New Yorkers with disabilities will now have the opportunity to create a tax-exempt savings account for their health-care needs thanks to legislation sponsored by Carlucci, D-Rockland/Westchester.
Modeled after the federal ABLE Act that was signed by President Barack Obama in 2014, this new law allows an individual to deposit money into an ABLE account that is exempt from any Medicaid or Supplemental Security monetary limit as it relates to personal assets.
“Jawonio’s lifelong mission of achieving independence has finally come true with the establishment of the Able Act Law," said Julio Vargas, a supervisor with Jawonio.
Carlucci said the dedicated work advocates at Jawonio and across New York State helped make the act become a reality. Jawonio is the premiere provider of lifespan services in the Hudson Valley for individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges, and chronic medical conditions.
"Living with a disability should not mean a life of poverty. The poverty rate for New Yorkers with disabilities is just over 28 percent, twice that of New Yorkers without disabilities. We must end this cycle, and the NY ABLE Act is a step to doing that," said Carlucci.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with Senator Carlucci the passage of the Able Act. For too many years people with disabilities who could enter the workforce or save money were limited due to an income/savings restriction to access benefits. This legislation removes this barrier and is a giant step forward in the effort for full inclusion of people with special needs into our society," said Jill Warner, Jawonio chief executive officer.
The mission of Jawonio is to advance the independence, well-being and equality of people with disabilities or special needs.
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