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 Benefits are now available
On July 1, Washington launched the first public long-term care insurance program in the country as WA Cares Fund benefits became available.
“This is a historic moment for Washington as the first and only state to offer workers access to affordable long-term care,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “Most of us will need long-term care at some point in our lives. I’m proud Washington is the first state in the country to offer a program like WA Cares. Once again, Washington state is leading the way.”
Most Washington workers earn long-term care benefits they can use later in life through automatic contributions to WA Cares.
See if you qualify for benefits.
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Toolkit updates
With benefits now available statewide, it is the perfect time to visit our toolkit and resources page to find materials that can help you understand how to apply for benefits, how to use your benefits, how to add an authorized user to your benefits account, what to expect during a care needs assessment and more.
Webinars
WA Cares basics from 1-2 p.m. on July 8
WA Cares provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available when they need them. It could cover most of the need for some people, while for others it will provide breathing room during one of life’s most challenging stages, giving the family time to develop a plan.
Benefits are now available statewide. Beneficiaries can use their benefits to pay for services to help them live independently at home, to receive care in a facility, and other services and supports.
We will cover:
- How the program works
- How to qualify and apply for benefits
- Out-of-state coverage
- How to find a WA Cares provider
- And more
Register today.
Conversations: Building a support system as you age webinar from 11 a.m. to noon on July 28
Join us and a panel of experts as we discuss building a support system as you age. About one in three U.S. adults report feeling lonely and about one in four report a lack of social and emotional support, with older adults at a greater risk for these feelings. A lack of social interaction or community support can leave older adults feeling isolated and limit their community activities.
Our panel will discuss:
- The negative impacts of social isolation
- How to build a strong support system
- How a support system can improve your wellbeing.
Register today.
All webinars will include an opportunity for audience Q&A and include live captioning. Simultaneous translations will be available.
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 registered providers.
Learn more and register today.
Featured service
This month’s featured service is home modifications.
Home modifications (also known as “environmental modifications”) are changes to your rented or owned home to support your health, welfare, safety and independence. For example, if you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, this service can be used to install a walk-in shower or tub, widen doorways or add grab bars.
Learn more about our covered services and supports.
Monthly FAQ
FAQ: Is there a daily limit for benefit usage?
No. The WA Cares Fund is a flexible benefit you can use to meet your care needs up to $36,500 (grows over time with inflation) with no daily cap on benefit usage.
Learn more about how the program works.
Terms to know
The contribution requirement is one of two requirements an applicant must meet to qualify for benefits. Washington workers began contributing to WA Cares on July 1, 2023. Contributions are automatic for most Washington workers. You can meet the contribution requirement through one of three pathways. We will count each calendar year you worked at least 500 hours toward the requirement.
Learn more about the contribution requirement and the three pathways.
Request a speaker
Our team is happy to speak with your staff, HR professionals, managers or organization if you want to learn more about WA Cares.
Fill out our speaker request form.
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