February 12, 2024
Contact: Contact.Us@wecareforwacares.com
Media Resources
Senate Passes Bill With Bipartisan Vote To Strengthen and Expand Washington Long Term Care (WA Cares) Coverage
Olympia, WA: Senators in Olympia voted 34 – 15 to strengthen and expand long term care benefits for the more than 3 million working Washingtonians currently participating in WA Cares.
SB 6072 passed with bipartisan support. Another bill, HB 2467, to also expand long term care coverage, is expected to move through the House this week.
Julie Sparkman, a working mother in the Spokane area expressed her support for the WA Cares program:
“Two years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. I’ve been working since I was young and had never been really sick in my life. A diagnosis is enough to deal with by itself. When you add the financial stress of lost income and no way to pay for care, the stress skyrockets. WA Cares will be a game changer in the years ahead when we face the inevitable challenges life throws our way.”
The two bills would implement recommendations from the state’s Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS) Trust Commission including:
- Adding Portability (SB 6072 and HB 2467)
Washingtonians who have contributed to WA Cares would be able choose to continue their coverage even after moving out of state. This means that even though Washington is the first state in the nation with a program like WA Cares, we can count on our benefits no matter where we end up.
- Creating A Supplemental Long Term Care Insurance Program (SB 6072)
Our WA Cares benefits will grow with inflation, and for many of us, will be more than enough for the home modifications or help we need to stay in our homes. But some of us might need 24/7 care on a long term basis, or face progressive illnesses like Alzheimer’s. A supplemental private insurance offering that could be used as a wrap-around policy to WA Cares in case the worst happens could help consumers be even more prepared.
In just 29 months, WA Cares funds will be available to working Washingtonians should they need help with daily living activities as they age or experience a debilitating car accident, cancer or pregnancy complications.
WA Cares is widely supported by health and services organizations like AARP Washington, MS Society, Lupus Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, Washington Health Care Association, and other members of the We Care For WA Cares coalition.
70% of us will wind up needing long-term care—like help with meals, chores, and daily tasks – at some point in our lives as a result of an injury, illness, disease or the normal challenges that can come with age. If this initiative passes, working Washingtonians will no longer have access to an affordable guaranteed benefit they can tap to help pay for home care, home modifications, and other long-term care support when they need it. The vast majority of workers can’t afford private long term care insurance, or would be denied a policy because they have a pre-existing condition, according to this analysis.
More information about WA Cares for reporters.
-end-