WA Cares Program to Begin Paying Long-Term Care Benefits
Eligible workers can receive up to $36,500 in the first year for in-home care, transportation and home safety upgrades.
- On Wednesday, Washington launched the WA Cares program, the first in the nation public long-term care insurance initiative, beginning to pay benefits to eligible workers.
- Funded by a mandatory 0.58% payroll tax collected from 3.7 million workers since 2023, the program addresses long-term care gaps left by Medicare and private insurance.
- Eligible workers can access up to $36,500 in lifetime support if they have contributed for three years and need assistance with three activities of daily living such as bathing or eating.
- Governor Bob Ferguson celebrated the launch in Tukwila, saying payouts offer "the dignity that comes with that," while House Republicans contended the program may provide a false sense of security.
- State actuaries estimate the fund is solvent for 75 years, with the maximum benefit projected to reach approximately $43,400 by 2033; out-of-state beneficiaries can access coverage starting July 1, 2030.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Nation’s first state-run long-term care insurance program about to launch in Washington
It’s a landmark moment for the endeavor known as WA Cares, envisioned as a means to help Washington’s workforce afford long-term care and services as they age.Starting Wednesday, insurance coverage through the state-run program will begin. Dozens of applications for benefits have already rolled in.It’s been a bumpy journey since majority Democrats in the state Legislature approved its creation in 2019 over the objections of Republicans. The prog…
The Center Square
Long-term WA Cares benefits now available, but few residents eligible
(The Center Square) - Washington state begins paying benefits on Wednesday from the mandatory payroll tax funded long-term care program, known as “WA Cares.”
WA Cares | Neighbors back strikers | Executives’ failures
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 STRIKES ► From UNITE HERE Local 8: Neighborhood solidarity! We’re grateful for the local businesses putting up signs in support of Embassy Suites strikers. pic.twitter.com/xcP7L3Jp6S — UNITE HERE! Local 8 (@UniteHereLocal8) July 1, 2026 LOCAL ► From the Seattle Times — WA workers can start receiving long-term care […] The post WA Cares | Neighbors back strikers | Executives’ failures appeared first on The STAND.
Washington workers can start receiving long-term care funds this week
Starting Wednesday, thousands of Washingtonians can start receiving money from the WA Cares Fund, a public long-term care insurance program called the “first in the nation” by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Read more...
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