WA Cares Fund: Preparing for the Future of Long-Term Care in Washington

Washington state is leading the way in making long-term care more accessible and affordable through a groundbreaking new program: the WA Cares Fund. Designed to help Washingtonians age with dignity and independence, this first-in-the-nation program provides a safety net for workers who need long-term care services, and it’s set to launch benefits on July 1, 2026.

As we look ahead to this exciting milestone, Aging and Disability Services (ADS), the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County, is working to help prepare our community for what’s to come, beginning by building the network of trusted providers who will deliver care and support services under the program.

What Is the WA Cares Fund?

The WA Cares Fund is a public, long-term care insurance program for Washington workers. It helps cover the cost of services people may need if they develop a disability or health condition that makes it difficult to care for themselves independently. Funded through a small payroll deduction, it allows eligible workers to access up to $36,500 (lifetime maximum, indexed for inflation) in benefits to pay for care services without having to spend down their life savings.

This initiative recognizes the reality that most of us will need some form of long-term care at some point in our lives. WA Cares aims to make that care more affordable and available to those who need it most.

What Services Will Be Covered?

WA Cares benefits can be used for a broad range of services that support individuals in maintaining independence and quality of life. Some examples include:

• In-home caregivers, including paying a family member to provide care
• Making your home safe and accessible through modifications (such as wheelchair ramps or grab bars)
• Having nutritious meals delivered to your home
• Transportation to and from appointments and the grocery store

For a more in-depth look at covered benefits, you can visit: Benefit Coverage | WA Cares Fund.

Work Is Already Underway

The behind-the-scenes work to make WA Cares successful is happening now. One key priority: building a strong network of providers ready to serve beneficiaries across the state.

The WA Cares Team at Aging and Disability Services is currently focused on recruiting long-term care providers who want to become part of this new and exciting system. Providers will need to register with WA Cares, and the application portal opens on Oct. 1, 2025.

To help prospective providers understand the registration process and what it means to be a WA Cares provider, the WA Cares Team at ADS is hosting a virtual info session on Sept. 30, 2025. This session will be a great opportunity for current service providers—and those considering entering the field—to get their questions answered and prepare to apply. We encourage providers to attend this session and consider participating in WA Cares. Being part of this program strengthens our entire long-term care system.

Providers, Save the Date:

WA Cares Provider Info Session
 📅 Sept. 30, 2025 (2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.)
 🕙 Click here to register

Service areas:

·       Adult day services    

·       Dementia and behavioral support

·       Education and consultation

·       Environmental modification

·       Home delivered meals

·       Home safety evaluation

·       In-home personal and respite care

·       Personal emergency response system (PERS)

·       Skilled nursing

·       Services to assist paid and unpaid caregivers: housework and errands, yardwork and snow removal

·       Transportation

Learn More

Have questions about becoming a registered provider? Please email wacaresop@seattle.gov.

To stay informed about the WA Cares Fund and how to register for benefits visit www.wacaresfund.wa.gov.

Contributor Brian Sindel is the WA Cares Provider Coordinator for Aging & Disability Services—the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle & King County. Brian can be reached at brian.sindel@seattle.gov