More than 3 million Washington residents will begin earning benefits through Washington’s new long-term care insurance program on July 1.
Working people who did not opt out will contribute 0.58% of each paycheck to the Washington Cares Fund through automatic payroll deductions. Those who contribute to the fund will be entitled to a $36,500 lifetime benefit, which will be adjusted for inflation, for long-term care services when they need them.
The deductions begin July 1, 2023, but the benefits won’t be accessible until July 1, 2026.
The money can be used for a range of services to help people meet their long-term care needs while remaining in their homes. Those services could include transportation, paying a caregiver, home safety modifications or home-delivered meals.
Washington employers are required to withhold contributions from workers’ paychecks for the program. People with private long-term care insurance can opt out of the program, however, by filling out an exemption application.