Benefits are now available

On July 1, Washington launched the first public long-term care insurance program in the country as WA Cares Fund benefits became available. 

“This is a historic moment for Washington as the first and only state to offer workers access to affordable long-term care,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “Most of us will need long-term care at some point in our lives. I’m proud Washington is the first state in the country to offer a program like WA Cares. Once again, Washington state is leading the way.”

Most Washington workers earn long-term care benefits they can use later in life through automatic contributions to WA Cares.  

See if you qualify for benefits. 

Toolkit updates

With benefits now available statewide, it is the perfect time to visit our toolkit and resources page to find materials that can help you understand how to apply for benefits, how to use your benefits, how to add an authorized user to your benefits account, what to expect during a care needs assessment and more.

Provider registration

We are looking for qualified providers who can offer long-term care services for beneficiaries. Benefits are available now, and beneficiaries are looking for local registered providers.  

Learn more and register today. 

Featured service

This month’s featured service is home modifications.  

Home modifications (also known as “environmental modifications”) are changes to your rented or owned home to support your health, welfare, safety and independence. For example, if you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, this service can be used to install a walk-in shower or tub, widen doorways or add grab bars.  

Learn more about our covered services and supports. 

Monthly FAQ

FAQ: Is there a daily limit for benefit usage?  

No. The WA Cares Fund is a flexible benefit you can use to meet your care needs up to $36,500 (grows over time with inflation) with no daily cap on benefit usage.  

Learn more about how the program works. 

Terms to know

The contribution requirement is one of two requirements an applicant must meet to qualify for benefits. Washington workers began contributing to WA Cares on July 1, 2023. Contributions are automatic for most Washington workers. You can meet the contribution requirement through one of three pathways. We will count each calendar year you worked at least 500 hours toward the requirement.  

Learn more about the contribution requirement and the three pathways.