Washington Cares Fund Premiums Begin Soon

Back in 2019, Gov. Inslee signed the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act into law, creating the Washington Cares Fund to address the future long-term care crisis. The fund will be paid for by Washington employees, who will be able to access state-funded long-term care beginning in 2025.

To be eligible for the long-term benefits, Washington residents must be at least 18 years old and need assistance with at least three activities of daily living. Eligible Washingtonians will be able to use the benefit for a range of services, such as:

• Professional personal care in their home, an assisted living facility, an adult family home or a nursing home
• Adaptive equipment and technology like hearing devices and medication reminder devices
• Home safety evaluations
• Training and support for paid and unpaid family members who provide care
• Home-delivered meals
• Care transition coordination
• Memory care
• Environmental modifications like wheelchair ramps
• Personal emergency response system
• Respite for family caregivers
• Transportation
• Dementia supports
• Education and consultation

Beginning in January 2022, Washington workers will pay up to $0.58 per $100 of earnings out of their paychecks. Employers will remit the employees’ contributions to the state, but they do not have to contribute to the fund. Self-employed individuals may also opt-into the program. Employees may apply for an exemption from the program if they have private long-term care insurance in place before November 1, 2021. Exemption applications will be available between October 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021.

Employers with Washington employees will need to begin to collect premiums from their employees on January 1, 2022. They will also need to collect copies of approval letters for any employees who will apply for an exemption from the program. Employers should work with their payroll provider and other HR vendors in implementing this law.

Washington Cares Fund Home Page »
Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program, Chapter 50B.04 »