WA Cares Fund

WA Cares Tax collection begins July 1. Washington State has created the WA Cares Fund to ensure working Washingtonians will have access to long-term care when they need it.

WHY DOES THE FUND EXIST?

A staggering 70% of individuals in Washington will inevitably require long-term services and supports, encompassing assistance with fundamental daily activities such as bathing, eating, and managing medications. However, the cost associated with long-term care can be exorbitant. Surprisingly, the majority of these expenses are not covered by Medicare or health insurance, leaving individuals to rely on Medicaid, which only comes into effect once they have depleted their entire life savings down to a mere $2,000.

Thankfully, the WA Cares Fund has come to the rescue for hardworking Washingtonians. This exceptional initiative offers a pathway for individuals to acquire long-term care benefits that will be readily accessible when the need arises. While it may not fully cover the extensive range of requirements for certain individuals, it undoubtedly provides a much-needed breathing space during life's most arduous stages of care.

THE PATH TO YOUR BENEFIT

Here is a quick breakdown:

• Paycheck deductions start July 1st
• $0.58 for every $100 made
• $280 a year for a $50,000 salary

ABOUT WA CARES FUND

The inception of the WA Cares Fund is the culmination of extensive research conducted over several years, aiming to ensure that care is within reach for all workers residing in Washington. Remarkably, Washington has emerged as the pioneering state in the nation to establish an affordable avenue for the vast middle class to avail long-term care without the necessity of exhausting their entire life savings.

The management of the WA Cares Fund is entrusted to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, working in close collaboration with the Washington State Health Care Authority and the Employment Security Department. This collaborative effort ensures the effective administration and implementation of the fund, guaranteeing that it fulfills its purpose of providing accessible and affordable long-term care for the hardworking residents of Washington.

For those interested in delving deeper into the origins and framework of the WA Cares Fund, an opportunity to learn more about its rich history and structural intricacies awaits.