WI AB253

Department of Health Services must allow individuals to deposit up to $15,000 of gross earnings into an independence account over a 12-month period

Assets acquired through inheritance cannot be counted when determining financial eligibility for the Medical Assistance purchase plan

Independence accounts allow disabled individuals enrolled in the Medical Assistance purchase plan to save money without losing Medicaid eligibility

Current law caps countable assets at $15,000 for program eligibility, but independence account funds are excluded from this calculation

Implementation contingent on federal approval; DHS must submit any necessary state plan amendments or Medicaid waivers