The purpose of Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) is to provide Pennsylvanians with disabilities the opportunity to take a fulfilling job and work to their full potential without fear of losing crucial health care benefits. With MAWD, you can keep Medical Assistance while you work, even if your earnings increase above the limits for other Medical Assistance programs. This is vital for individuals with disabilities who rely on home and community-based services that private pay insurance does not cover. 
 
Currently, you must have $10,000 or less in countable resources to be eligible for the MAWD program. However, funds held in retirement savings accounts are counted against the resource limit. This includes, but is not limited to, IRAs, 401(k)s, and employer pension plans.  
 
This restriction disincentivizes workers with disabilities from participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan and/or obtaining a private retirement account. As we continue to encourage individuals with disabilities to work to their full potential, we should not be limiting their ability to responsibly save for the future. 
 
Therefore, I am proposing legislation that will require funds held in retirement savings plans to be excluded when determining whether an individual meets the MAWD resource limit. 
 
I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation so workers with disabilities will no longer have to choose between health care benefits and financially preparing for their future.