Washington

Updated 7/31/24

Changes of note
State ballot initiative 2124 proposes making the WA Care Act optional. Initiative 2124 supporters attempt to appeal to voters using the campaign slogan - "Say yes, pay less" Those opposed to initiative 2124 are in favor of keeping the WA Care Act and argue that it is essential to help fund LTC for thousands of Washingtonians.

The Washington Attorney General has released teh following public investment impact disclosure related to WA Cares Ballot Initiative 2124: "This measure would decrease funding for Washington's public insurance program for persons requiring long-term care." This statutorily required statement will appear on the ballot along with the ballot title.

Where do things stand?
In 2019, the “Trust Act” was passed, later establishing “The WA Cares Fund.” The program would be funded by a .58% payroll tax, but included an exemption for individuals who owned private LTC insurance prior to November 1, 2021. The LTC rider included with Trustmark’s Universal Life and LifeEvents product qualified individuals to opt-out of the WA Cares Fund and the corresponding tax.

After the WA Cares Fund was established, the legislature created the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Commission (Trust Commission), consisting of legislators, administering agencies, and stakeholder representatives. The Trust Commission’s purpose is to develop recommendations to update and improve the WA Cares Fund, including a potential recertification requirement for individuals who received an exemption due to private coverage.

What's on the docket?

In early 2024, The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Commission released a recommendation report with suggestions to improve the WA Cares program. Recommendations may be directed to the state legislature or to the executive agencies responsible for administering the program. All recommendations to the legislature require legislative action to implement.

The Office of the State Actuary published an actuarial study of the WA Cares Fund on October 20th, 2022. The report indicates the fund is expected to be solvent through its first 75 years. The full report can be found here.

Important dates

Exemption application deadline for WA Cares Fund Program - 12/31/22
First payroll tax deductions - 7/1/23
Vote on Washington Ballot Initiative 2124 - 11/5/24

Additional Resources