An Eastern Wisconsin Senator’s bill aimed at protecting disabled workers has passed its first hurdle.
Assembly Bill 253, written by Senator Andre Jacque, aims to grant greater financial flexibility to disabled individuals who are working and receiving support through the Wisconsin Medical Assistance Purchase Plan (MAPP).
Those using the MAPP program can open an Independence Account and deposit 50 percent of their gross work earnings to protect their Medicaid coverage, up to $15,000 for a twelve-month period.
AB 253, as amended, would remove the cap on earnings that can be deposited for those qualified to participate in the program, and would also exempt up to $40,000 in funds obtained as a result of an inheritance payment.
Sen. Jacque noted, “Disabled individuals who are able and want to work should not be penalized for attempting to improve their life circumstances, and AB 253 removes potential obstacles to that goal.”
The measure unanimously passed the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care, and now heads to the full Assembly.
