Becoming a registered provider for the WA Cares Fund
Beginning in July 2026, eligible Washingtonians can use their WA Cares Fund benefits. Providers are essential to making WA Cares work. We will register qualified providers to offer our covered long-term services and supports to eligible beneficiaries.
“Becoming a provider is a three-step process” explains Ali Lafontaine, WA Cares Fund AAA manager. “Interested providers will apply online, sign a contract with either DSHS or their local Area Agency on Aging and then receive an official registration from DSHS.”
Provider applications
Applications are open starting Oct 1, 2025. Interested providers can review the provider application detail document for the service you want to offer to learn about the service definition, minimum qualifications and the documentation you need to apply.
After you submit the application, check your email regularly in case DSHS or your local AAA needs more information. Respond to all requests within 30 days. Following a background check and verifying that you meet the qualifications, your application will be approved or denied. If your application is denied you will receive a notice with your rights if you would like to appeal.
Contracting
Once your application is approved, the contracting team at DSHS or the Area Agency on Aging will send you a new client service contract for signature. You can provide multiple services at once, and depending on your services, you could have multiple contracts. Review sample contracts on our website. When your contract ends, you’ll have a chance to renew it and continue being a registered WA Cares provider.
Registration
Once you have a contract in place, your information will be added to the online WA Cares Provider Directory. The directory is hosted by Community Living Connections and will be the primary way beneficiaries will find you.
“There are no case managers,” Peter Keller, WA Cares Provider Network Operations Administrator said. “Beneficiaries are responsible for finding registered providers who offer the services they want and contacting them directly.”
Pre-authorizations
To establish services with a beneficiary, you will need to create a pre-authorization in ProviderOne. You and the beneficiary must discuss and agree on the services being provided and accompanying rates before you create a pre-authorization. “Pre-authorizations will be new for everyone” says Kristine Kane, Provider Network Development Program Manager. “You cannot begin providing or billing for services until after the pre-authorization is approved by the beneficiary or their legal decisionmaker.”
WA Cares will pay within your usual, customary and reasonable rate range up to the published maximum rate. Rate maximums will be published in administrative rules and will be made available through a rate sheet online. Check the status of these rules on the rulemaking page.
Pilot program and beyond
Beginning January 2026, a pilot program will run in Lewis, Mason, Thurston and Spokane counties. Providers that serve these areas along with Statewide providers will get priority in the application process and the chance to begin delivering services early. Beneficiaries statewide can begin applying for benefits on May 15, 2026 with the program officially launching on Jul 1, 2026.
Providers should prepare now by reviewing qualifications and familiarizing themselves with application documents.
Learn more about how to become a registered provider by watching the replay of our August webinar, WA Cares Basics: What Providers Need to Know.
Our next webinar for providers will be Nov. 4, 2025. Register today.