|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2025
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
An estimated 127,000 veterans and more Michiganders with later-in-life disability diagnoses will be eligible soon
TROY, Mich. — Families, advocates and community leaders gathered today at the Oakland Community Health Network in Troy to celebrate a major age expansion of MiABLE, Michigan’s disability savings program, and to enroll new participants on-site.
MiABLE, Michigan’s 529A savings program administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, enables people with disabilities to save for education, housing, transportation, health care and other expenses without losing eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income.
Despite an estimated 500,000 eligible Michiganders, only about 1% currently have accounts. Today’s event marked a statewide push to close that gap and highlighted a historic policy change. Beginning in 2026, MiABLE eligibility expands from age 26 to 46, nearly doubling the number of people who qualify.
Based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates for metro Detroit alone, more than 300,000 residents are eligible for MiABLE, with even more expected to qualify starting in 2026. That figure includes approximately 45,000 children with disabilities across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Suzanne Weinert, director of communications and community outreach for Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), opened the event by noting how the expansion aligns with the agency’s mission.
“At OCHN, our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live full, independent lives,” Weinert said. “MiABLE gives individuals and families the tools to plan for the future without fear of losing critical supports. This change means thousands more Oakland County residents will soon qualify, and we are proud to stand with MiABLE to make sure they do.”
State Rep. Sharon MacDonell, D-Troy, chair of the Legislative Disability Caucus, called the expansion a major victory for families.
“Financial insecurity impacts nearly every family I speak with who is caring for a loved one with disabilities,” MacDonell said. “MiABLE removes barriers, restores dignity and allows people to save without risking essential benefits. Expanding eligibility to age 46 means more families in our community can take control of their future.”
Michiganders living with ALS and disabled veterans — among the groups most affected by the expansion — underscored why the change matters to them and thousands of others in metro Detroit and across the state whose disability wasn’t diagnosed until after age 26.
“ALS is a devastating disease that often strikes between ages 40 and 70, with out-of-pocket costs estimated at $250,000,” said Kimberly Niemiec Graziosi, executive director of ALS of Michigan. “Until now, many families weren’t eligible for MiABLE because of age restrictions. With this change, families finally have a tool to save and invest with confidence while focusing on what truly matters — caring for their loved ones.”
Joanne Skippergosh, adjutant general for Michigan Disable American Veterans (DAV), emphasized how the expansion supports those who served.
“There are more than 127,000 veterans with disabilities in Michigan, and the median age of diagnosis is 42,” Skippergosh said. “Until now, that left many veterans out. MiABLE ensures that those who sacrificed for our country can also build stability for themselves and their families. It’s an overdue opportunity and one we should spread far and wide.”
Scott de Varona, MiABLE program director, urged attendees to take advantage of the change and enroll.
“MiABLE is more than a savings account. It’s about independence, dignity and control over your own future,” de Varona said. “With the new eligibility expansion, thousands of additional families, including veterans and those living with conditions like ALS, will finally have access. The best time to start saving with MiABLE was yesterday. The second-best time is today.”
MiABLE account owner Aaron Martinuzzi, who lives in Oakland County, shared his personal story about how the program allows him to plan for retirement and everyday needs without jeopardizing essential benefits.
“This isn’t just a program on paper. It works,” Martinuzzi said. “Opening an account gave me confidence and freedom to plan for my future without fear. I encourage every eligible family to take this step by enrolling.”
Today’s roadshow offered immediate enrollment assistance. Attendees also learned about MiABLE Perks, a new program offering exclusive discounts to account owners to enhance quality of life.
For more information or to open an account, visit Michigan.gov/MIABLE.
# # #
|
The grant award comes at a good time as State Farm released an 
