The WA Cares Fund
7 in 10 of us will need long-term care, and most of us will need help to live independently at some point. Some will need care temporarily after an accident or illness, while others may need it later in life. In both cases, this is known as long-term care.
The WA Cares Fund is a new program that helps workers’ pay for long-term care when they need it. Working Washingtonians contribute 0.58% of each paycheck to access up to $36,500 in lifetime benefits (which grows over time with inflation) to cover various long-term care supports and services. For about a third of people, this amount could cover all the care they need in a lifetime. For everyone else, it will provide immediate relief from long-term care costs without the need to spend down their savings, as well as time to plan for any future needs.
Contributions began on July 1, 2023, and benefits will be available to qualified Washingtonians starting July 1, 2026.
To learn more about the WA Cares Fund and eligibility requirements, contact our free Community Living Connections helpline at (509) 960-7281, email us at action@altcew.org, or submit a response on our Contact Us page.
Learn More About WA CaresApply early for WA Cares. Join the interest list and Act Now!
WA Cares benefits of up to $36,500 will become available in January 2026 to a small group of people who reside within Lewis, Mason, Spokane or Thurston counties.
An interest list is open now.Â
Only a limited number of spots will be available on a first come, first served basis so make sure to express interest early. You’ll be able to work directly with WA Cares contracted businesses to get supports if your application is approved.
There are four requirements to qualify for the WA Cares pilot program:
- You live in Lewis, Mason, Spokane or Thurston County.
AND
- You meet the contribution requirement – You’ve contributed a small part of your paycheck to WA Cares for three or more years.
AND
- You meet the care requirement – Need help with three or more activities of daily living for 90 days or longer.
- You are not currently receiving Medicaid services, such as Apple Health medical or long-term care services and supports.*
If you would like to join the pilot interest list, need help with the application process or want to explore other long-term care options, Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington is here to help as your local resource. Call 509-960-7281 to begin.
Select residents of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston County will also gain early access to WA Cares. For extra support applying for the WA Cares pilot there, reach out Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging by calling 360-664-2168, option 2.
The full, public debut of WA Cares is set for July 2026. By joining the pilot, you’ll help to improve the WA Cares experience for all Washingtonians.
*Coordination of benefits is not available during the pilot but will be available for the statewide launch beginning in May 2026. [Medicaid services include: Apple Health Medical (managed care or fee-for-service), LTSS programs like Community First Choice (CFC), COPES, Roads to Community Living (RCL), New Freedom or the Residential Support Waiver, MAC/TSOA, or programs available through Developmental Disability Community Services such as Basic Plus, Core, IFS, and Community Protection.] You’ll be able to apply for and receive benefits when they become available statewide in July 2026.
Learn More
Most Washingtons will need long-term care at some point, but it can be expensive. Medicare and health insurance don’t usually cover it, and Medicaid only helps after your savings drop to $2,000.
WA Cares was created to provide affordable long-term care coverage to all working Washingtonians. It’s a critical step to fix a long-standing problem, as costs often hit us when we can’t afford it, and at a time when many of us live on fixed incomes.
WA Cares is a flexible benefit that allows you to choose the services that work best for you, like in-home care, home modifications, assistive equipment, meal delivery, or transportation.
WA Cares Help & Support
Knowing there is money set aside for care in the future gives employees peace of mind today. WA Cares makes long-term care insurance accessible for all Washington workers and provides support for working caregivers. Employers are required to collect premiums, report and remit payments, and track employee exemptions. We also recommend employers educate their workers about the program and share details on benefits they may be able to access.
We offer WA Cares training sessions covering topics such as:
- Employee Education: Strategies for effectively communicating program details to employees.
- Exemption Processes: Information on available exemptions and how employees can apply.
To schedule a training or presentation, please click the button below and submit the form. To contact our WA Cares Representative, email wa-cares@altcew.org or call (509) 458-2509 EXT 364.
Schedule a Training or Presentation WA Cares Toolkit
ALTCEW is looking for service providers and vendors to support WA Cares beneficiaries. If interested in partnering with this program, visit the link below.
Contracting Service Opportunities
WA Cares represents a significant step toward ensuring that all Washington workers have access to affordable long-term care. Whether you’re an individual planning for future care, an employer learning about your responsibilities, or a provider looking to partner, the WA Cares Fund offers resources and support to help.
For more information, contact us directly or visit https://wacaresfund.wa.gov.
Dani’s Story
Long before she needed long-term care, Dani was a full-time caregiver herself. She had spent most of her life caring for her disabled brother and sister, and she became a caregiver in college to earn extra money and because she was able to fit in work hours around her school schedule. At 30, Dani experienced a complication during a routine medical procedure that left her with a spinal cord injury. “I’d never really seen anyone my age need long-term care until it happened to me. Life happens to all of us. At any point in time, you could experience a serious illness or an injury or a traumatic event.”
Miguel’s Story
Miguel and his wife Irma live in Skagit County and have spent the past twenty-one years together. Three years ago, Irma broke one ankle and dislocated the other. Her ability to accomplish daily tasks has been affected ever since the injuries, and Miguel has stopped working outside the home so he can be her full-time caregiver.
Miguel y su esposa Irma viven en el condado de Skagit y han estado juntos los últimos veintiún años. Hace tres años, Irma se quebró un tobillo y se dislocó el otro. Desde que se lesionó, su capacidad para realizar las tareas diarias se vio afectada, y Miguel ha dejado de trabajar fuera de casa para poder ser su cuidador de tiempo completo.
To Reach Us: For Spokane, Whitman, Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties, call our free Community Living Connections helpline at 509-960-7281 or email wa-cares@altcew.org.
