[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H5726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TREATING INDIVIDUALS FACING SERIOUS DISEASE OR DISABILITY EQUALLY UNDER 
                                THE LAW

  (Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 670, the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act, which I have 
cosponsored. This bill would allow non-elderly individuals with a 
disability to create a special needs trust for themselves, as opposed 
to needing a relative or guardian to create such a trust for them.
  Importantly, these trusts would also be exempt from being considered 
as an asset when an individual applies for eligibility for Medicaid 
benefits, meaning the individual with the special needs trust can still 
be eligible for Medicaid benefits.
  This legislation would make a straightforward correction in Federal 
law that would ensure all individuals facing serious disease or 
disability are treated equally under the law and are able to manage 
their lives with independence.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for acting to advance this bill.

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