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With nearly a decade spent pursuing a program to help families deal with the cost of long-term care services, we have produced several articles detailing our work over time.
Read More About WA Cares
For every $100 of a worker’s earnings, 58 cents will go into the WA Cares Fund. Starting in July 2026, people who need in-home services, such as help with cooking or bathing, can apply for a WA Cares benefit to help cover the costs.
By Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director
Changes to the new WA Cares Fund also include allowing employees who live out of state and certain other groups to apply for exemptions. And the program, which was initially set to begin this year, will launch in mid-2023.
The 2022 legislative session led to a significant win for Washingtonians nearing retirement. More than a million near retirees are now eligible for benefits under the WA Cares Program.
Washington State is the first in the nation to develop a new and innovative way to make long-term care more affordable for all workers in the state as we age. AARP advocated for the WA Cares Fund because hard-working Washingtonians deserve access to flexible and affordable long-term care coverage when needed.
As Washington state moves closer to implementing the new WA Cares Fund program, new research by AARP shows most respondents support the first-in-the-nation benefit.
By Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director
The WA Cares Fund is a long-term care insurance benefit designed to help residents stay in their homes as they age. Workers pay in and later can tap the fund for services like home-care aides.
Washingtonians are quite fortunate to have one of the best long-term care systems in the nation. Our state's system is ranked so high because it's based on consumer choice and provides various options for people to receive the care that best meets their individual needs and the settings they prefer.
Ballots have arrived, and this year it includes an important measure that we at AARP Washington strongly support. We encourage you to vote to approve ESJR 8212 to secure the Long-Term Care Trust Act for vulnerable Washingtonians.
About AARP Washington
Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.