October 2026 Monthly Newsletter

Provider registration

We are looking for qualified providers who can offer long-term care services for beneficiaries. Benefits are available now, and beneficiaries are looking for local WA Cares providers.

The LTSS Trust Commission is meeting from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 28

The Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Commission, which works on behalf of Washington employees and long-term care stakeholders to improve, monitor and implement WA Cares, will hold a commission meeting from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 28.

Toolkit

Stay up to date on covered services, the application process, out-of-state coverage and more program information by exploring our toolkits and resources webpage. These materials provide applicants, beneficiaries and the public with key information about WA Cares, and serve as resources that employers and community partners can share.

Request a speaker

Employers, HR professionals, managers or community organizations looking to learn more about our program can speak with a member of our team.

Fill out our speaker request form and we’ll be in contact. 

Terms to know: Care needs assessment

The benefit application process includes a conversation with a WA Cares team member, where we’ll learn more about your situation and help you identify the types of long-term care support that could be helpful. To qualify for benefits, you must need help with at least three activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating or mobility, for 90 days or more.

After our conversation with you, we’ll send you a benefit determination letter. The letter will tell you whether you’ve met the care needs requirement and are approved to use benefits. If you’ve been approved, the letter will include the benefit amount you have available.

Learn more about care assessments and the application process 

Featured service

This month’s featured service is education and consultation.

An education and consultation provider can offer education, consultation and training for you and your paid or unpaid caregivers regarding diagnoses, chronic health issues and care. The goal of this service is to help better manage your activities of daily living, health and wellness

Learn more about our covered services and supports 

Monthly FAQ: How far will the benefit go?

While the benefit won’t cover 100% of care for everyone, it could for example cover around 20 hours per week of home care for about six months. This is the amount of in-home care the average Medicaid client receives right now. About a third of people need care for a year or less, and for those people WA Cares may be able to cover all or most of the care they need. For others, WA Cares provides families with immediate relief and time to plan for future care costs.

Learn more about using your benefits. 

Featured video: Using your benefits in four steps

Once you’re approved for benefits, it’s easy to begin using them. First, you should explore the services and supports we cover, including reviewing the suggested services from your care needs assessment. You’ll then look for providers using our Provider Network Directory. Your provider(s) will send you a pre-authorization for your approval before services can begin. You’ll then manage your benefits using your WA Cares benefits account. Watch our tutorial video to walk you through the process.