Webinar Series

The WA Cares team regularly hosts webinars on the program and topics related to long-term care. 

WA Cares Conversations webinars feature a panel discussion of an issue in long-term care or caregiving, along with a short overview of how WA Cares works and how it relates to the issue.

WA Cares Basics webinars focus solely on the program, providing details on contributions,
benefits, exemptions and more.

The Employment Security Department (ESD) also hosts employer-focused webinars.

All webinars will be recorded. Recordings and webinar materials will be available below after the completion of the webinar.

Want to keep up-to-date on upcoming webinars? Sign up for email updates. Can’t join live? Recordings are available on the WA Cares YouTube Channel.

Upcoming Webinars

Spotlight on Paid Family Caregiving with WA Cares

Thursday, Oct 23, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm
Register for webinar
Live captions and interpretation in ASL, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Russian and Spanish will be available.
This webinar will be recorded.

More than 800,000 Washingtonians provide care to a loved one. Many of us provide care out of both necessity and love, and do so without thinking twice. Whether you’re picking up groceries for your neighbor or helping your dad manage his medications—you are a caregiver.

If the person you're caring for has earned WA Cares Fund benefits, you can  become their paid caregiver, even if you're caring for your own spouse. 

We will cover how the program works, who is eligible for paid family caregiving, how WA Cares can help with care needs, steps to becoming a paid family caregiver and additional resources, supports and services available.
 

Panelists: Kristine Kane, Provider Network Development Program Manager, DSHS | Chantelle Diaz, Provider Policy & Network Development Manager, DSHS

WA Cares Basics: What Providers Need to Know

Tuesday, Nov 4, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Register for webinar
Live captions and interpretation in ASL, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Russian and Spanish will be available.
This webinar will be recorded.

Before benefits begin in July 2026, the WA Cares Fund will work to register a diverse range of qualified providers for each covered service. To ensure quality care, providers must meet minimum qualifications to participate. Once registered, beneficiaries can choose from these providers — empowering them to select the services that best meet their needs within their own communities. 

We will cover how the program works, types of providers that will be able to register, minimum qualifications and requirements providers will have to meet, and how to register as a qualified provider.

Panelists: Katie Kelnhofer, Provider Policy Unit Manager, DSHS | Ali Lafontaine, AAA Manager, DSHS | Peter Keller, Provider Network Operations Administrator, DSHS | Sebastian Cahe, Outreach and Language Access Lead, DSHS

2025 Webinar Schedule

Date Webinar Topic Recording Links & Materials
January 15, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Most Washingtonians will eventually need long-term care. These services and supports can be expensive, but most long-term care is not covered by Medicare or health insurance and Medicaid typically only covers it after you’ve spent your life savings down to $2,000.

WA Cares Fund provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available when they need them. It could cover most of the need for some people, while for others it will provide breathing room during one of life’s most challenging stages, giving the family time to develop a plan. 

We will cover how the program works, what long-term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work and how to qualify for benefits.

February 5, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am

WA Cares Conversations: Mental and Emotional Health While Aging

Join us and a panel of experts to discuss the relationship between aging and mental health, understanding social isolation and loneliness and how it can lead to depression and anxiety while aging, how your mental and emotional health can impact physical health and available resources and supports. We’ll also provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it can help. 

February 19, 2025
11:30am - 12:30pm

WA Cares Basics: What Near Retirees Need to Know

March 12, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Aging and Nutrition

Join us and a panel of experts to discuss the relationship between aging and nutrition, why nutrition is important as you age, age related nutritional changes, food insecurity among seniors and nutrition education and resources. We’ll also provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it can help.

April 8, 2025
1:00pm - 2:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

We will discuss what family caregivers can ask their loved ones’ facilities about, how to build an emergency kit, types of emergencies and how to plan, and how to prepare your loved ones living at home. We will also discuss what family caregivers need to know about how long-term care facilities plan for emergencies. Finally, we will provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it can help.

May 1, 2025
11:30am - 12:30pm

WA Cares Conversations: Seniors and The Housing Crisis

We will discuss the cost burden on a fixed income, limited affordable options, aging in place challenges (accessibility, maintenance), rental assistance programs and homelessness. We’ll also provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it can help. ASL interpretation and live captioning will be available. 

June 11, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Join us to learn more about what long term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families and the workplace, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work, how workers will meet contribution requirements (including a pathway for near retirees) and more. 

July 9, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Employers Need to Know

Join us for the latest updates on the state’s long-term care insurance program and learn more about employer responsibilities. We’ll cover who contributes to the fund, who can get an exemption, how workers will meet contribution requirements and what kinds of benefits will be available. Get your questions answered and find out where to go for more resources for businesses and workers. 

August 5, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Providers Need to Know

Before benefits begin in July 2026, the WA Cares Fund will work to register a diverse range of qualified providers for each covered service. To ensure quality care, providers must meet minimum qualifications to participate. Once registered, beneficiaries can choose from these providers — empowering them to select the services that best meet their needs within their own communities.

We will cover how the program works, types of providers that will be able to register, minimum qualifications and requirements providers will have to meet, and how to register as a qualified provider.

September 25, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Fundamentos de WA Cares: Lo que los trabajadores deben saber

Siete de cada 10 habitantes de Washington necesitarán cuidado a largo plazo, pero la mayoría de nosotros no tenemos un plan para pagarlo. El Fondo WA Cares es un nuevo beneficio devengado que ayudará a los trabajadores de Washington a obtener acceso a cuidado a largo plazo asequible en el futuro.

El seminario web cubrirá lo que incluye el cuidado a largo plazo, cómo afectan las responsabilidades de cuidado a las familias y al trabajo, quiénes contribuyen al fondo, cómo cumplirán los trabajadores con los requisitos de contribución, qué beneficios están cubiertos y más.

October 8, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Most Washingtonians will eventually need long-term care. These services and supports can be expensive, but most long-term care is not covered by Medicare or health insurance and Medicaid typically only covers it after you’ve spent your life savings down to $2,000.

WA Cares Fund provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available when they need them. It could cover most of the need for some people, while for others it will provide breathing room during one of life’s most challenging stages, giving the family time to develop a plan. 

We will cover how the program works, what long-term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work and how to qualify for benefits.

October 23, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

Spotlight on Paid Family Caregiving with WA Cares

More than 800,000 Washingtonians provide care to a loved one. Many of us provide care out of both necessity and love, and do so without thinking twice. Whether you’re picking up groceries for your neighbor or helping your dad manage his medications—you are a caregiver.

If the person you're caring for has earned WA Cares Fund benefits, you can  become their paid caregiver, even if you're caring for your own spouse. 

We will cover how the program works, who is eligible for paid family caregiving, how WA Cares can help with care needs, steps to becoming a paid family caregiver and additional resources, supports and services available.
 

November 4, 2025
1:00pm - 2:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Providers Need to Know

Before benefits begin in July 2026, the WA Cares Fund will work to register a diverse range of qualified providers for each covered service. To ensure quality care, providers must meet minimum qualifications to participate. Once registered, beneficiaries can choose from these providers — empowering them to select the services that best meet their needs within their own communities. 

We will cover how the program works, types of providers that will be able to register, minimum qualifications and requirements providers will have to meet, and how to register as a qualified provider.

November 18, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am

Spotlight on WA Cares Assessments

To access WA Cares benefits, you need to meet a contribution requirement and a care needs requirement. To determine if you meet the care needs requirement, you will talk with a WA Cares team member in an assessment.  
 

We will cover how the program works, the care needs requirement, how to prepare for your assessment, what to expect during your assessment and what happens after your assessment.
 

December 3, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

Spotlight on WA Cares Benefits

Beginning July 2026, each person who is eligible to receive the full WA Cares Fund benefit amount can access long-term care services and supports costing up to $36,500 (grows over time with inflation).

We will cover how the program works, how to apply for benefits, all covered services and supports and how far the benefit goes.
 

December 16, 2025
11:00am - 12:00pm

Spotlight on Care Options with WA Cares

By automatically contributing a small part of each paycheck over your working years, you earn benefits you can use when you need long-term care. You choose when and how to use your benefit and have the flexibility to choose a provider based on what you’re willing to pay. You will be able to use your benefit without having to pay out of pocket up front and you never need to submit a claim.

All you need to do is find a registered provider and approve the pre-authorizations for the services you are receiving. WA Cares will pay providers directly on your behalf.

We will cover how the program works, choosing your provider, discussing rates and services with your provider and pre-authorizations.
 

2024 Webinar Schedule

Date Webinar Topic Recording Links & Materials
January 18, 2024
11:30am - 12:30pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Join us to learn more about what long term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families and the workplace, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work, how workers will meet contribution requirements (including a pathway for near retirees) and more. 

February 1, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Premium Collection and Quarterly Reporting - 2024 update

February 27, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Caregiving in Rural Communities

Join the WA Cares team and a panel of experts for a discussion on caregiving in rural communities to learn more about these challenges and work being done to address them. The webinar will also include an overview of WA Cares and how the program could help support beneficiaries in rural areas.

March 18, 2024
2:00pm - 3:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Supporting Workers with Disabilities

Long-term care isn’t just for older adults – it covers a broad range of needs and situations. For people of all ages who have a disability, long-term services and supports can be essential tools to keep them living independently. A few hours of help each day with tasks like bathing, meal preparation and transportation can make a big difference. So can other supports like home modifications and adaptive equipment.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 21% of people with disabilities are employed – almost 7 million workers nationwide. Join us for a discussion of the supports and resources available for these workers as well as for employers. We’ll also cover how the WA Cares Fund works and how it will help support workers with disabilities in the future.

April 24, 2024
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Join us to learn more about what long term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families and the workplace, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work, how workers will meet contribution requirements (including a pathway for near retirees) and more.

May 7, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Caregiving for Stroke Survivors

Join us for a discussion on caring for stroke survivors. We’ll cover what a stroke is, signs to look for, what stroke treatment and recovery looks like, and resources for stroke survivors and their caregivers. We’ll also provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it will help stroke survivors and their families in the future.

June 5, 2024
2:00pm - 3:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Caregiving and Brain Health

Join us for a discussion about the importance of brain health. We’ll cover dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injuries, including how to prevent these conditions and resources for people affected by them. We’ll also provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it will help people who need care and their loved ones in the future.

July 17, 2024
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Businesses Need to Know

August 6, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Getting Help with Hearing Loss

Join us for a discussion on getting help with hearing loss. We’ll cover types of hearing loss (including age-related hearing loss), signs that you may be experiencing hearing loss, assistive technology and hearing devices, ways family and friends can support someone who is experiencing hearing loss, and other resources that may be helpful. We’ll also provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it will help people experiencing hearing loss in the future.

September 12, 2024
12:00pm - 1:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Home Safety and Fall Prevention

October 9, 2024
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Join us to learn more about what long term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families and the workplace, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work, how workers will meet contribution requirements (including a pathway for near retirees) and more.

November 4, 2024
1:00pm - 2:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Resources for New Family Caregivers

Join us and a panel of experts to learn signs a loved one may need more help, tips for talking with your loved one about long-term care, types of long-term services and supports available and how to find resources and supports. We’ll also provide an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it will help family caregivers. ASL interpretation and live captioning will be available.

2023 Webinar Schedule

Date Webinar Topic Recording Links & Materials
January 18, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Most Washingtonians will eventually need long-term care. These services and supports can be expensive, but most long-term care is not covered by Medicare or health insurance and Medicaid typically only covers it after you’ve spent your life savings down to $2,000.

WA Cares Fund provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits that will be available when they need them. It could cover most of the need for some people, while for others it will provide breathing room during one of life’s most challenging stages, giving the family time to develop a plan. 

We will cover how the program works, what long-term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work and how to qualify for benefits.
 

May 4, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Chamber Briefing: How to Prepare for WA Cares

May 18, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm

WA Cares Basics: What Businesses Need to Know

This July, workers begin contributing to the WA Cares Fund. Is your organization ready? Join us for the latest updates on the state’s long-term care insurance program and learn more about employer responsibilities. We’ll cover who contributes to the fund, who can get an exemption, how workers will meet contribution requirements and what kinds of benefits will be available. Get your questions answered and find out where to go for more resources for businesses and workers.

May 25, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Premium Collection and Quarterly Reporting

There’s plenty to know about WA Cares and Paid Leave, and we’re committed to making your experience as easy as possible with helpful info and resources. Join us for an employer-focused webinar, where we’ll cover Paid Leave and WA Cares premium collection, quarterly reporting, payments and more!

May 31, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Calculating Premiums, In-Depth

Are you looking for more in-depth conversations around WA Cares and Paid Leave premium calculations? Join us for employer-focused webinars, where we will cover specific topics more in depth. Topics will include paying employee premiums, social security cap, what to do when you are over- or under-withholding, and using online resources like our premium calculator.

Note: Registration for this webinar is full. Check back for more webinars soon!

June 16, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Greater Spokane Inc. Briefing: How to Prepare for WA Cares

We’re partnering with Greater Spokane Inc. on a free informational webinar! Learn more about the program and employer responsibilities. We will cover essential topics such as who contributes to the fund, how to withhold and report payroll deductions, who can get an exemption, how to manage exemptions, and more. Our speakers will also walk you through the employer toolkit we have available to help you communicate with employees and answer their biggest questions.

July 20, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Paid Leave and WA Cares: Employer webinars

There’s plenty to know about Paid Leave and WA Cares, and we’re committed to making your experience as easy as possible with helpful info and resources. Join us for an employer-focused webinar, where we'll cover Paid Leave and WA Cares employer responsibilities, premium collection, quarterly reporting, payments, and more!

July 27, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Paid Leave and WA Cares: Employer webinars

Are you looking for more in depth conversations around Paid Leave and WA Cares Premium Calculations? Join us for employer-focused webinars, where we will cover specific topics more in depth. Topics will include calculating premiums, withholding premiums, social security cap, what to do when you are over or under withholding, using online resources such as our premium calculator.

July 31, 2023
2:30pm - 3:30pm

WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

This month, Washington workers began earning long-term care benefits through the WA Cares Fund. Join us to learn more about long-term care and the WA Cares Fund, including who contributes, how exemptions work, how workers will meet contribution requirements and what benefits will be available. There will also be an opportunity for audience Q&A to get your questions answered. 

September 21, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Employer Account Roles and Contact Types

There's plenty to know about WA Cares and Paid Leave, and we're committed to making your experience as easy as possible with helpful info and resources. Joins us for an employer-focused webinar, where we'll cover Paid Leave and WA Cares employer account roles and contact types. 

The webinar is limited to 200 participants, so don't delay in registering! 

September 21, 2023
12:00pm - 1:00pm

[In Spanish] WA Cares Basics: What Workers Need to Know

Join us to learn more about the WA Cares Fund - all in Spanish! We'll discuss what long term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families and the workplace, who contributes to the fund, how workers will meet contribution requirements, what benefits are covered and more. There will also be an opportunity for audience Q&A.

September 28, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Updated Reporting Requirements

Are you looking for more in-depth conversations around WA Cares and Paid Leave reporting requirements? Join us for an employer-focused webinar where we will discuss reporting requirements that start October 2023: date of birth, no payroll, and WA Cares exemption reporting.

This webinar is limited to 200 participants, so don’t delay in registering!

October 31, 2023
1:00pm - 2:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Long-Term Care Planning

We’ll talk about what types of long-term services and supports are available, what to include in your planning and how to find resources. We’ll also provide an overview of different ways to pay for long-term care, including Medicaid, private long-term care insurance and WA Cares benefits.

November 16, 2023
10:30am - 11:30am

WA Cares Conversations: Talking With Loved Ones About Long-Term Care

Join the WA Cares Fund team and our panel of experts to learn how you and your family can navigate a discussion about long-term care needs you may have now or in the future. Our panel will talk about advance planning, including what topics to cover and tips for starting the conversation and managing discomfort. We’ll cover warning signs a loved one may need help now and suggestions for how to support and communicate with them. The webinar will also include an overview of WA Cares and how it can fit into workers’ future long-term care plans.

November 28, 2023
12:30pm - 1:30pm

WA Cares Basics: Self Employed Workers

If you’re self-employed, you can choose to elect coverage and protect yourself with the same affordable benefits available to other Washington workers. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to elect coverage for self employed workers. The webinar will also include an overview of WA Cares and a live Q&A session.

December 14, 2023
11:00am - 12:00pm

Managing WA Cares Exemptions

There’s plenty to know about WA Cares and Paid Leave, and we’re committed to making your experience as easy as possible with helpful info and resources. Join us for an employer-focused webinar, where we'll cover employers’ responsibilities related to managing employee’s WA Cares exemptions.

*This webinar is limited to 200 participants, so don’t delay in registering!

2022 Webinar Schedule

Date Webinar Topic Recording Links & Materials
June 28, 2022
11:00am - 12:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Caregiving and the LGBTQ+ Community

July 19, 2022
3:30pm - 4:30pm

WA Cares Conversations: The Gender Gap in Caregiving

The Gender Gap in Caregiving

August 31, 2022
2:00pm - 3:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Long-Term Care Planning for Near-Retirees

Long-Term Care Planning for Near-Retirees

October 6, 2022
3:30pm - 4:30pm

WA Cares Conversations: The Next Generation of Caregivers

The Next Generation of Caregivers

October 27, 2022
1:00pm - 2:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Long-Term Care Planning for Younger Workers

Long-Term Care Planning for Younger Workers

November 17, 2022
1:00pm - 2:00pm

WA Cares Conversations: Caregiver Mental Health

Caregiver Mental Health