Legislation removes existing disincentives for disabled individuals who want to work
MADISON, WI… Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) to grant greater financial flexibility to disabled individuals who are working and receiving support through the Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) was signed into law today by Governor Tony Evers as Act 225.
Disabled adults in Wisconsin on Medicaid are supported in their workforce participation through enrollment in MAPP, a buy-in program open to individuals at or below 250% of the federal poverty level with under $15,000 in assets. Under previous law, participants could deposit up to 50 percent of their gross earned income into an Independence Account without those funds being counted toward program assets limits.
Act 225 removes this cap, allowing participants to deposit all earned income into an Independence Account. The law also excludes up to $40,000 in assets acquired through inheritance from asset limit calculations.
“Disabled individuals who want to work should not be penalized for attempting to improve their life circumstances,” said Jacque. “This common-sense to protect disabled Wisconsin workers on Medicaid will encourage individuals with disabilities to live full, independent and productive lives.”
Act 225 received support from the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities and Department of Health Services. Representative Robert Brooks (Saukville) was the Assembly author of the bill, which passed both legislative chambers unanimously.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
