February 2026 Monthly Newsletter

Webinars

WA Cares for Employers from 1-2 p.m. on Feb. 10

Knowing there is money set aside for care in the future gives employees peace of mind today. The WA Cares Fund makes long-term care insurance accessible for all Washington workers. As a Washington employer, you are required to report your employees’ wages, hours and pay premiums every fiscal quarter.

We will cover:

• Who contributes to the fund
• How workers will meet contribution requirements
• Who is eligible for an exemption
• Tracking employee exemptions
• Employer reporting requirements
• What kinds of benefits will be available

Register today

Spotlight on Care Options from 11 a.m. - noon on Feb. 24

By automatically contributing a small part of each paycheck over your working years, you earn benefits you can use when you need long-term care. You choose when and how to use your benefit and have the flexibility to choose a provider based on what you’re willing to pay. You will be able to use your benefit without having to pay out of pocket up front and you never need to submit a claim.

All you need to do is find a registered provider and approve the pre-authorizations for the services you are receiving. WA Cares will pay providers directly on your behalf.

We will cover:

• How the program works
• Choosing your provider
• Discussing rates and services with your provider
• Pre-authorizations

Register today

All webinars will include an opportunity for audience Q&A and include live captioning. Simultaneous translations will be available.

Monthly FAQ: Can people who are already retired contribute?

Only people who are working contribute to WA Cares. Some people who are retired from their career still work part-time, either as an employee or on a self-employed basis. If you are working at least 500 hours per year (about 10 hours per week) as an employee, you will be contributing and earning WA Cares benefits. If you are self-employed, learn how to opt in and start earning benefits.

Fund Fact: Applications are now open for the pilot program.

To make sure our processes are ready prior to statewide rollout in July 2026, we’ve started offering benefits to a small group of people through a pilot program in Lewis, Mason, Spokane and Thurston counties. We are accepting pilot applications from Jan. 6, 2026, through Feb. 28 (or until we reach the maximum number of participants).

If you participate, you’ll have the opportunity to give us feedback on your experience along the way. We’ll use your input to improve our processes as we start to offer benefits to all Washingtonians.

Registered providers who offer services in pilot counties or statewide can participate in the pilot. Learn more about provider registration.

To get started, contact our team by phone at844-CARE4WA (844-227-3492) or by email. Language assistance is available

Rulemaking

The WA Cares Fund filed a CR-101P under WSR 26-03-035 for rulemaking related to potential revisions to chapter 388-116 WAC. Revisions may include changes to adaptive equipment and technology definition related to mobility devices and clarifications related to provider minimum qualifications, background checks, exception to rules and administrative hearings.

WA Cares filed the CR-103P under WSR 26-02-043 for additional service limitations related to the pilot program. The rule went into effect Feb. 2,2026.

To find published DSHS WA Cares rules, please see chapter 388-116 WAC. For additional rulemaking information, visit the WA Cares rulemaking website.

We’re hiring

Are you looking for a meaningful career that will impact the lives of Washingtonians? Then join our team! Several positions are now open, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Learn more and apply today.

Featured video

We’re hiring! Interested in joining our team or know someone else who could be a good fit? Take a look at our open positions and share with your networks or learn more about working at WA Cares.

Terms to know: Aging in place

Aging in place refers to the ability to live in your own home comfortably and independently as you get older, rather than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. For many people, aging in place is associated with a sense of empowerment and dignity.

WA Cares covers a wide range of services and supports to help you age in place. You can use your WA Cares benefits to pay for home modifications (like installing grab bars) so you can get around better, or purchase a home safety evaluation to prevent avoidable falls. You can also pay for home-delivered meals so that you can get nutritious food right to your door or transportation to medical appointments.

Community support services such as transportation assistance, home health services and social engagement programs also play an essential role in helping you age comfortably at home. Make sure you know what services and supports are covered by your WA Cares benefits.

Toolkit

Our outreach toolkit has been refreshed with a new fact sheet, social media content, poster and more! These resources are intended for employers, business and professional organizations, community groups and anyone who wants to communicate about the WA Cares Fund.

Explore our updated materials and start sharing today!

Featured video

Long before she needed long-term care for herself, Dani was a full-time caregiver supporting her disabled brother and sister. When she was 30, Dani went in for a routine medical procedure and came out of the operating room unable to walk.

Learn more about Dani’s story and her experience with long-term care.

Request a speaker

 Interested in an in-person or virtual presentation on WA Cares for your staff, HR professionals, managers, professional/community organization, or other groups? Fill out our speaker request form and we will get back to you with our staff’s availability.