Starting July 1, Washington becomes the first state to implement a payroll deduction for long-term care benefits, known as WA Cares. This groundbreaking program aims to address the growing need for long-term care services as the population ages, particularly those 85 and older.

The program is designed to assist individuals who struggle with daily tasks due to illness, injury, or age-related conditions. One such individual, Anthony Jones, a 41-year-old Seattle resident with lupus, often finds everyday activities challenging. He, like many others with pre-existing conditions, cannot access private long-term care insurance. WA Cares aims to bridge this gap.

As Washington and other states face a projected surge in their elderly populations, the strain on existing Medicaid-provided long-term care services is expected to intensify. WA Cares seeks to proactively address this impending crisis.

The program is attracting national attention, with states like California and New York considering similar initiatives. It offers an alternative to private long-term care insurance, which is often expensive and requires health screenings, and Medicaid, which has strict low-income requirements.

Ben Veghte, director of the WA Cares Fund, emphasizes the program's social insurance model. It involves small contributions throughout a worker's career rather than a large lump sum during retirement, making it more manageable financially.

Starting in July, Washington workers will contribute 0.58% of their earnings. For someone earning $50,000 annually, this translates to $290 per year.

Benefits will be accessible in 2026 to those who require assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or medication management. The fund will cover services such as in-home care, home modifications (like wheelchair ramps), transportation to medical appointments, meal delivery, and even reimbursement for family caregivers. The lifetime benefit is capped at $36,500, subject to annual inflation adjustments.

While proponents highlight the program's potential to offer essential financial support, critics express concern over the added financial burden on workers, especially given existing economic pressures. State Rep. Jim Walsh argues that the $36,500 lifetime benefit is insufficient for truly long-term care, considering the high costs of nursing homes and in-home care.

Veghte acknowledges that the benefit may not cover all long-term care needs but emphasizes the program's value as a crucial first step. He also acknowledges the current lack of portability for the benefit, meaning those who relocate out of state lose access, and that the benefit only covers the taxpayer, not dependents or spouses. However, he indicates that solutions are being explored for these issues.

Eligibility for the program requires workers to have paid the tax while working at least 500 hours annually for three of the past six years, or for a total of 10 years without a break of five or more years.