Federal and State Legislatures and Advocates Gather to for Financial Roundtable

Easterseals Midwest recently welcomed U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) and a distinguished group of national and multi-state leaders for a roundtable discussion on how ABLE accounts, 529 plans, and Trump Accounts can strengthen financial security, expand opportunity, and support greater independence for people with disabilities.

Chief Executive Officer Jeanne Marshall hosted the discussion alongside approximately two dozen disability rights advocates, legislators, and representatives from national managed care organizations and international financial institutions. Together, participants advanced a shared understanding of these important financial tools and explored how they can promote financial literacy, economic empowerment, health, self-determination, and long-term independence for people with disabilities.

“We welcome the opportunity to have a seat at the table alongside legislators to discuss and advance policies, like ABLE accounts, that support the disability community,” says Marshall.

The ABLE Act was passed into law in 2014. It introduced 529A accounts for people with disabilities, allowing them to use tax-advantaged accounts to save money without jeopardizing federal benefits like Medicaid and Social Security Income (SSI). The ENABLE Act, passed in 2024, extended those benefits and raised the age of eligibility from 26 to 46.

“People with disabilities are disproportionately living in poverty, and today’s roundtable allowed legislators to hear directly from people living with disabilities and the barriers they face,” says Marshall. “While we shared success stories from individuals who invest in ABLE accounts, we also shared the confusion and barriers around them as well. Together, we discussed possible solutions, and we look forward to our shared efforts to promote ABLE accounts so more people with disabilities can find meaningful employment, earn money, and save and retain eligibility for benefits.”

The Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of the Treasury, will announce a major grant award in September to fund a national media campaign to educate consumers, financial advisors, and families about ABLE accounts.  

Thank you to our co-hosts, the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities (KCDD) and the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (Missouri DD Council), as well as our many partners who participated in the roundtable discussion. 

• Starling Missouri
• Interhab
• Missouri Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• U.S. Department of Education
• Home State Health Plan, Inc
• Sunflower Health Plan
• Centene
• BNY
• U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt
• Kansas State Treasurer and Treasurer's Office
• Kansas State Department of Education
• Missouri State Treasurer
• Missouri Department of Mental Health

ABLE accounts are managed through each state's treasury department. To learn more about these accounts and to see if you're eligible, you may visit your state's treasury department online.