WA Cares Fund long-term care benefits start July 1

Washington State makes history once more. The nation’s first publicly funded long-term care insurance program for Washington workers begins distributing funds to eligible beneficiaries on July 1 to pay for long-term care services and supports.

Long-term care is defined as help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, moving around and managing medications. The need for care may be temporary or permanent. Long-term care is not medical care and is typically not covered by health insurance or Medicare.

Most Washington workers have been earning benefits through automatic contributions since July 2023. Each year since then, if they have worked and contributed to WA Cares for 500 hours or more, it will count toward the contribution requirement for accessing benefits. Even workers or recent retirees born before Jan. 1, 1968, who have contributed for just a year or two, can access a pro-rated benefit amount.

Applicants will create a benefits account and fill out a brief online application. If necessary, a loved one or representative can get access to manage an applicant’s account as an authorized user.

Applicants or caregivers can also call 844-CARE4WA (844-227-3492) to have a WA Cares team member guide them through the online application, or they can apply over the phone. For in-person support and connections to other local resources, applicants can contact their local Area Agency on Aging. They can find their local AAA online or call 855-567-0252.

Next, WA Cares will check how many years they have contributed and let them know if they meet the contribution requirement. If they do, they will meet with a WA Cares team member to talk about the help they need with daily activities. WA Cares will let them know whether they meet the care needs requirement and can start using their benefits. Beneficiaries may be able to access up to $36,500 to use for any covered services and supports they want to receive.

Visit wacaresfund.wa.gov/how-it-works to learn more about the program’s contribution requirement, care needs requirement and how to apply.

Once benefits become available on July 1, beneficiaries can start receiving covered services and supports from a registered WA Cares provider. They can get services to help them live independently at home, like in-home care, environmental modifications, home-delivered meals and adaptive equipment like a walker or bath chair. They can also use their benefits to pay a loved one (including their spouse) to care for them. WA Cares also covers care in a facility, as well as many other services and supports.

Beneficiaries can find registered providers using the Provider Network Directory online. If their application is approved after the assessment, they can reach out to providers now and start using benefits on July 1.

Call 844-CARE4WA for any questions or additional help or visit wacaresfund.wa.gov for the latest information. Language assistance is available. Beneficiaries can also use their WA Cares benefits account to send a secure message.

Ben Veghte, MPA, Ph.D., WA Cares Fund Director