WA Cares: It Affects Us All

Long-term care funding may seem irrelevant to those of us who are considered young and able-bodied. In reality, everyone should understand the WA Cares Fund and recognize the ways it impacts them. If you are a young person like me, here are a few ways that you will be affected by WA Cares.

Funds are not age-dependent

WA Cares funding will be there when you need it, regardless of your age. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and contribution over time, rather than your age or financial status. While you may not require additional support currently, accidents and other health-altering events can occur at any age.

Support for your parents

As younger people, we are likely to see many health-related changes in our parents and other older loved ones. These can impact your routine and your family’s routines, finances, and need to provide care. By providing funding for your loved one’s care, WA Cares will mitigate these stressors, so you are better equipped to focus on what’s important—your loved one.

Keep your savings

Unlike other medical funding programs that require a certain level of income or savings to qualify, WA Cares does not require that you dip into your savings. You can continue to build your savings for other life milestones ahead of you.

You’ll likely need care later

Planning for the future can be difficult to wrap our heads around. However, seven in ten Americans will need long-term care in the future—chances are, you are in the majority. WA Cares funding provides support for our future care needs, so when the time comes, you can receive help paying for mobility aids, home modifications, caregivers, meal delivery services, or other similar needs, without any additional planning on your part.

For more information about the WA Cares Fund, check out this AgeWise article or visit wacaresfund.wa.gov.

Contributor Isabella Hankins studies Community, Environment, & Planning and Medical Anthropology & Global Health at the University of Washington She joined the Age Friendly Seattle team in 2023.