May 2026 Monthly Newsletter

Washington workers can apply for benefits starting May 18

Later this month, Washingtonians who have contributed to the WA Cares Fund can begin applying for benefits if they need long-term care. Getting started when applications open May 18 will give applicants the opportunity to complete the process so they can start services as soon as benefits become available July 1.

To get started, applicants will create a benefits account and fill out a brief online application. Applicants or caregivers can also call 844-CARE4WA to have a WA Cares team member guide them through the online application or apply over the phone.

Create your WA Cares benefits account today.

Rulemaking update

WA Cares filed a CR-102 as WSR 26-09-016 for new WACs under chapter 388-116 WAC related to services provided by a financial management services vendor. A public hearing is scheduled at 10 a.m. on May 26.

For questions regarding the rulemaking process, contact Arielle Finney. 

Webinars

Spotlight on ProviderOne from 2-3 p.m. on May 5

The WA Cares Fund is registering qualified providers to offer covered long-term services and supports to eligible beneficiaries. Registered providers will use the Health Care Authority’s ProviderOne system to complete pre-authorizations and submit claims.

We will cover:

• How the program works

• How to use ProviderOne

• How to create pre-authorizations

• How to file a claim for payment

Register today

Conversations: Aging in place from 11 a.m. to noon on May 19

According to AARP, 75% of Americans age 50-plus want to live in their current home for as long as possible. However, to keep living independently, most people will eventually need long-term care, which is help with activities of daily living like bathing, eating and taking medications.

Our panel of experts will discuss:

• The challenges of living independently

• Resources available to older Washingtonians

• How the WA Cares Fund can help Washington workers stay in their own homes as they age

Register today

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

Featured services:

This month’s featured service is a home safety evaluation.

You can use your benefits to pay for an assessment of your home (rented or owned) by a physical or occupational therapist. This service improves accessibility inside your home and helps you identify and reduce fall or safety hazards.

Learn more about what services are covered by WA Cares.

Monthly FAQ: How can I apply and manage my WA Cares Fund benefits?

You’ll need a SecureAccess Washington account to apply and manage your benefits. If you already have an account, log in. If you don’t have a SecureAccess Washington account, you’ll need to create one.

After you’ve logged in to SecureAccess Washington, you’ll select “My Services” at the top of your screen. Select “Add Service,” then “Add Service By Name”. Search for “WA Cares Benefits Account” and select the “Add” button to the right.

Learn more about what the application process will look like.

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. 

Featured care story

KD shares a home in the Seattle area with her husband David, their two children and her mother-in-law Kathleen. Kathleen needs long-term care due to her multiple sclerosis, which she has been managing for the past 30 years. KD is grateful that Kathleen lives and receives care in the home but acknowledges that the associated expenses and the demands of managing care can take a toll.

Learn more about KD and Kathleen, and how WA Cares might help families like theirs.