June 2026 Monthly Newsletter

Self-employed elective coverage

Self-employed Washington workers can choose to elect coverage and protect themselves with the same affordable benefits available to other Washington workers. Coverage must be elected by June 30, or within three years of becoming self-employed for the first time.

Learn more about self-employed elective coverage.

Toolkit updates

We have added a variety of materials to our website to help you understand how to access and use WA Cares benefits.

Our benefits guide and service snapshots describe how to use the services and supports covered under WA Cares. You can also learn more about out-of-state coverage, supplemental private insurance, financial management services and more.

Visit our toolkit and resources page for more information, including translations of many of our materials into 16 additional languages.

Conversations: Outdoor activities for seniors and caregivers in Washington webinar from 10-11 a.m. on June 4

Join our panel as they discuss outdoor activities for seniors and caregivers. Physical activities have been shown to have positive effects on sleep routines, blood pressure, brain health and more long-term benefits.

We will cover:

• The importance of keeping active as we age
• Outdoor activities you can find across Washington state

Register today

Conversations: Transportation and mobility as you age webinar from 11 a.m. to noon on June 17

Join our panel as they discuss transportation and mobility as you age. Limited mobility and transportation access are common challenges older adults face. The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found that 78% of older adults have to rely on family caregivers for rides around their community.

We will cover:

• The challenges older adults face moving around their home and community
• Senior-friendly transportation options
• How WA Cares can help

Register today

Provider registration

Qualified long-term care providers can now register to become WA Cares providers. Following registration, providers can start offering services and supports to beneficiaries beginning July 1.

Learn about the registration process and apply today.

Featured service

This month’s featured service is transportation.

Transportation services help with transportation to and from the grocery store, medical appointments, social services and therapeutic recreational activities.

Learn more about what services are covered by WA Cares.

Monthly FAQ: When will benefits be available?

You can apply for benefits now, and benefits will become available July 1, 2026 to people who have met contribution requirements and need care.

Learn more about the contribution requirement, care needs requirement and how to apply.

Request a speaker

Our team is happy to speak with your staff, HR professionals, managers, or professional or community organization if you want to learn more about WA Cares before benefits launch July 1. Fill out our speaker request form and we will get back to you with our staff’s availability.

Featured care story

Sally used to work as a caregiver advocate with Senior Services. Now she helps care for her partner, Patty, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. Because Patty’s physical and cognitive abilities continue to decline, an in-home caregiver now visits for several hours a day to help Patty eat, bathe and get around. Having in-home care is a relief for Sally, but she recognizes not everybody can afford long-term care services.

Learn more about Sally and Patty, and how WA Cares can help beneficiaries and caregivers alike.