Business Program Managers making an impact
The WA Cares Fund is built on collaboration and our business program managers are no exception. They act as a bridge between business, policy, technology and vendor partners ensuring that system configuration and business decisions align seamlessly as WA Cares moves closer to launch.
Krystal, the Benefits Innovation Manager, is proud of the cross-agency partnership the team has built and is enthusiastic about the trajectory of the program. “This is challenging work and I feel grateful that I get to work with a dynamic team of individuals who are all passionate and want to see the program be successful,” she said.
The business program managers ensure that as WA Cares evolves, every process from how applications are submitted to how benefits are managed functions as intended and serves all Washingtonians efficiently.
Robyn, the Benefits and Customer Care Program Manager, shared her enthusiasm saying, “It is motivating to be a part of a team with a mission that is so invested in making long-term care more accessible and meaningful for our community."
That collaboration extends beyond internal partnerships. The team regularly liaises with external partners and vendors to troubleshoot, clarify requirements and develop solutions that reflect the shared vision of the program.
“Being part of the team that’s building the plane while it’s flying is the wildest thing. It’s difficult to recognize how many little things need to be considered, written, and developed until you’re in it,” said Amanda, the IT Journey Project Manager.
This hands-on experience of watching the policy and design turn into functional systems is one of the most rewarding parts. Every test, demo, and improvement helps ensure that the public experience will be smooth as we go live. “The shared pride that we take in our systems and the support that we provide for each other makes it an amazing environment to work in,” added Janice, the Benefits Authorization Program Manager.
Sun-Young played a key role in developing the WA Cares assessment tool. The tool is used to determine an individual's eligibility for WA Cares Fund benefits. It evaluates the person's ability to carry out daily tasks and whether their need for care is likely to last at least 90 days.
“I am feeling proud and motivated as I reflect on the progress we’ve made together. Working closely with both the business and tech teams on developing the WA Cares assessment tool has shown me how important collaboration and clarity are to building a strong foundation,” she said.
As they continue to fine tune the systems that will support long-term care benefits for working Washingtonians their motivation is to build something that truly matters and makes an impact.