NC Gov Signs ABLE Act into Law

Governor Pat McCrory signed H.B. 556, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, into law today. North Carolina joins 29 other states in allowing individuals and families dealing with disabilities the opportunity to save and provide the necessary care families need. The ABLE Act will give individuals with disabilities and their families the opportunity to establish accounts to save for future essential expenses such as medical and dental care, education, employment training, assistive technology, housing, and transportation. Funds in ABLE accounts will not count against the financial eligibility standards of Medicaid and other support programs designed to support disabled citizens. H.B. 556 is in response to the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a federal law championed by North Carolina’s U.S. Senator Richard Burr. That legislation calls for the establishment of ABLE accounts in each state. ABLE accounts will give North Carolinians with disabilities increased choice, independence and opportunities to participate fully in their communities.