MiABLE Takes Disability Savings On The Road

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 03/17/2025) A savings account designed for those with disabilities that allows users to spend money on their education, housing, transportation and other expenses without it impacting their federal benefits is the subject of a new statewide tour.

The Michigan Achieving a Better Life Experience (MiABLE) program is partnering with the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan to bring awareness to the disability savings accounts, for those concerned about their extra income impacting their Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other disability benefits as long as they don't raise more than $100,000 a year.

The Lansing kickoff announced that the MiABLE team will be visiting communities across the state, because only about 5,000 of the 500,000 eligible people are enrolled in the program since it was created and signed into law by then-Lt. Gov. Brian Calley.

"We're here today to change that," said MiABLE Program Director R. Scott de Varona.

De Varona said MiABLE would be visiting Saginaw County on March 24 and metro Detroit on April 11.

He said the group had a number of signups in mind that would constitute the success of the partnership.

"The bottom line is, I want 100 percent participation. I want everyone to save for their future," de Varona said.

He also announced discounts and quality of life perks for account holders that would be available through a program called MiABLE Perks.

Calley joined the kickoff event and said the program helped people with disabilities on Medicare and Medicaid keep a nest egg and not risk losing the healthcare they need.

"Congratulations to the 1 percent that have taken advantage of it. By the way, 1 percent is a small number, but it's actually a lot of families," Calley said.

Michigan Legislative Disability Caucus Chair Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) said the program helps people with disabilities get out of poverty without losing their benefits.

"Financial independence is a right, not a privilege," MacDonell said.