Show-Me State Times

The U.S. Senate has passed the Ensuring Nationwide Access to Better Life Experience (ENABLE) Act, a bill introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO). The legislation aims to support individuals with disabilities and their families by preserving key provisions of Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts, which were scheduled to expire at the end of 2025.

ABLE accounts are tax-free savings accounts that allow people with disabilities and their families to save and invest without risking eligibility for federal programs such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). According to available data, there are currently more than 162,000 ABLE accounts in use across the country.

Senator Schmitt’s ENABLE Act was included in the broader One Big Beautiful Bill package. Upon its passage, Schmitt stated: “Individuals with disabilities and their families deserve stability and financial security as they plan for their future. My ENABLE Act will expand savings and investment opportunities, giving families and Missourians with disabilities the certainty they deserve. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and look forward to seeing President Trump sign this important legislation into law.”

The ENABLE Act has received backing from a wide range of organizations including Autism Speaks, Edward Jones, Microsoft, the National Down Syndrome Society, Cure SMA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Federation of the Blind, and numerous Down syndrome advocacy groups.

Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek expressed his support for the bill: “As administrator of the Missouri Achieving a Better Life Experience (MOABLE) Program, I applaud Senator Schmitt for championing the ENABLE Act. This commonsense legislation will help break down barriers that have too often prevented individuals with disabilities from fully accessing the benefits of employment. By allowing employers to contribute to ABLE accounts in lieu of traditional retirement plans, the ENABLE Act ensures that workers with disabilities are not forced to choose between meaningful employment and critical federal benefits. It recognizes that financial independence should never come at the cost of security. This is a tremendous step forward for families across Missouri—and for the thousands of MOABLE participants who rely on this program to build a more stable future. I thank Senator Schmitt for his leadership and look forward to working together to expand the impact of ABLE in our state and across the nation.”