November 2025 Monthly Newsletter

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To make sure you are getting additional content that matters most to you, please update your preferences. Choose from additional updates related to webinars, new resources, provider information, LTSS Trust Commission meetings, rulemaking sessions, local in-person presentations and more!

Webinars

WA Cares Basics: What Providers Need to Know from 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. on Nov. 4.

Before benefits begin in July 2026, the WA Cares Fund will work to register a diverse range of qualified providers for each covered service. To ensure quality care, providers must meet minimum qualifications to participate. Once registered, beneficiaries can choose from these providers — empowering them to select the services that best meet their needs within their own communities.
We will cover:
• How the program works
• Types of providers that will be able to register
• Minimum qualifications and requirements providers will have to meet
• How to register as a qualified provider

Register here

Spotlight on WA Cares Assessments from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Nov 18.

To access WA Cares benefits, you need to meet a contribution requirement and a care needs requirement. To determine if you meet the care needs requirement, you will talk with a WA Cares team member in an assessment.

We will cover:
• How the program works
• Care needs requirement
• How to prepare for your assessment
• What to expect during your assessment
• What happens after your assessment

Register here

This webinar will include an opportunity for audience Q&A and include live captioning. Simultaneous translations in ASL, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Spanish and Russian will be available for webinars that are given in English. 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar.

If you are interested in more information about webinars, please update your e-mail preferences to include ‘announcements of webinars and events’ so you can receive the most up-to-date information directly to your inbox.  

Fund Fact: WA Cares benefits will become available in January 2026 to a small group of people who live in Lewis, Mason, Spokane and Thurston counties as a part of our Pilot Program.

To participate, you must live in Lewis, Mason, Spokane or Thurston counties. We’re accepting a limited number of applications, so make sure to start the process early if you’re interested. 

Pilot participants can begin creating their accounts and submitting applications on Jan. 6, 2026. We will accept applications through Feb. 28 or until we reach the maximum number of pilot applicants.

Learn more.

Monthly FAQ: When do provider applications open?

WA Cares Fund provider applications opened on Oct. 1.

The WA Cares Fund is registering qualified providers to offer covered long-term services and supports to eligible beneficiaries. Applications are now open and providers will be able to offer services starting in July 2026.

Learn more.

Rulemaking

• WA Cares rules for beneficiary eligibility determinations, requirements to provide approved services, payment and reimbursement for approved services, and notice of department determinations and administrative hearings are now available under chapter 388-116 WAC.
• WA Cares filed proposed rulemaking under WSR 25-20-083 to address the WA Cares Fund pilot beginning in January 2026. A public hearing is scheduled at 10 a.m. on Nov. 4.

Reach out to Arielle Finney for additional information about rulemaking activity.  

If you are interested in rulemaking please update your preferences to include “DSHS rulemaking” so you can receive the most up-to-date rulemaking information directly to your inbox.

LTSS Trust Commission

The LTSS Trust Commission Investment Strategy Subcommittee is a subset of the LTSS Trust Commission and consists of legislators and administering agencies. Its purpose is to provide guidance and advice to the State Investment Board on investment strategies for the WA Cares Fund account, including seeking counsel and advice on the types of investments that are constitutionally permitted.

The Investment Strategy Subcommittee will hold a meeting from 1-2:30 p.m. on Nov 12. Find meeting details and learn more about the Commission. 

If you are interested in the LTSS Trust Commission please update your preferences to include “Updates on LTSS Trust Commission meetings and recommendations” so you can receive the most up-to-date information directly to your inbox.    

Take the Age- and Dementia-Friendly WA survey

Washington state is taking meaningful steps to become more age- and dementia-friendly — and we need your help to ensure every voice is heard.

As part of Washington’s participation in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and Dementia-Friendly America, we’re gathering input from residents across the state. Your insights will guide how we plan for more inclusive, supportive communities where people of all ages can thrive.

Together, we can make Washington a place where everyone can age with dignity, purpose and connection.

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 group in 2025? Fill out our speaker request form and we will get back to you with our staff’s availability.