U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Chris Van Hollen introduced on May 14 three bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening and improving access to the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program. The proposed legislation, which includes the ABLE Tomorrow Act, the ABLE Match Act, and the ABLE Direct Deposit Act, is also cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis and Amy Klobuchar.
The topic is significant because the ABLE program allows individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for federal programs. This can help people with disabilities gain greater financial independence and security.
Created in 2014, the ABLE program enables people with disabilities to use savings accounts while maintaining access to critical federal benefits. Moran was an original sponsor of this legislation in the Senate, while Van Hollen sponsored it in the House of Representatives. In January 2026, an update from Moran’s ABLE Age Adjustment Act went into effect and is expected to double those eligible for these accounts.
Moran said: “The ABLE program has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by improving their options to prepare for the future and removing barriers that have hindered their path to financial security and independence.” He added: “As an original sponsor of the legislation to create ABLE accounts and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Down Syndrome, I have worked to strengthen and improve the ABLE Program by expanding access so more individuals with disabilities can save, plan for the future and gain greater financial independence.”
Van Hollen said: “Over a decade ago, we passed the bipartisan ABLE Act – empowering people with disabilities to take charge of their economic futures without jeopardizing eligibility for critical federal programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.” He continued: “Now, we are fighting to strengthen and modernize the ABLE program to expand access to and awareness of ABLE accounts so people with disabilities and their families can continue taking advantage of these opportunities to plan and save. The ABLE Tomorrow, ABLE Match, and ABLE Direct Deposit Acts will build on the successes of the ABLE Act to strengthen these Americans’ financial security, independence, and quality of life for years to come.”
The legislative package proposes several changes such as eliminating Medicaid clawback provisions; creating exceptions for certain rollovers; establishing grace periods before Social Security suspensions when account balances exceed $100,000; allowing employer contributions in lieu of defined contribution plans; increasing outreach about account availability through various agencies; matching contributions up to $2,000 per year; reaffirming direct deposit rules; providing grants for state outreach efforts through fiscal year 2031; among other measures.
Moran serves on several Senate committees including Veterans’ Affairs as well as Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry according to his official website. Before his Senate career he represented Kansas’s 1st Congressional District in seven terms after working as a banker early in his career according to his official website.
A wide range of organizations support these proposals including Able Americans; Autism Society of America; Easter Seals; National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS); Disability Rights Center of Kansas among others. The National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) also endorses one bill within this package.
