Assembly Bill 253 introduces provisions for the establishment of independence accounts, allowing individuals to deposit up to $15,000 of their gross earnings into these accounts over a 12-month period. The bill mandates that the Department of Health Services (DHS) must exclude assets acquired by inheritance when assessing an individual's financial eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits under the Medical Assistance purchase plan. This plan is designed for individuals with qualifying disabilities who are working or wish to work, enabling them to maintain their eligibility for Medical Assistance while accumulating savings.

Additionally, the bill creates a new section in the statutes, specifically 49.472 (3m), which outlines the rules for independence accounts and the exclusion of inherited assets from asset calculations. It also stipulates that if federal approval is necessary for any part of this subsection, DHS is required to submit the appropriate requests for federal approval to implement the changes. The bill aims to enhance financial independence for individuals with disabilities while ensuring they can access essential health services.