THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022
CONTACT: Contact.Us@wecareforwacares.org
Media Resources
Public Health Advocates and Consumers Applaud Legislators for Fast Work to Address Issues with WA Cares
Governor Inslee Signs Measures Strengthening First in the Nation Public Long Term Care Benefit Program
Olympia – Seven out of ten Washingtonians will need long term care at some point, but 90% don’t have long term care insurance, and most folks don’t have enough savings to pay for care out of pocket.
The high cost of corporate insurance policies, and the track record of private companies’ limiting coverage, denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, and jacking up annual premiums, leaves most Washingtonians without any option but to spend down their savings to qualify for Medicaid when they need help with daily living tasks.
HB 1732 amends WA Cares so that near retirees who pay into the program will still be able to benefit from WA Cares. HB 1733 allows disabled veterans, military spouses, people living across state lines, and people with temporary nonimmigrant work visas to voluntarily opt out.
These changes to WA Cares address the top concerns raised about the program.
Legislative leaders and policy experts have spent over two decades researching, planning, and analyzing how to support our aging seniors and people with disabilities and protect against an explosion of the State’s Medicaid budget. The WA Cares public long-term care insurance program is the outcome of these twenty-five years of work.
Actuarial analysis has shown that WA Cares is modeled to be solvent for decades into the future, despite continued opposition talking points falsely claiming insolvency. Advocates urged lawmakers to ask the LTSS Commission to analyze how best to refine and improve the program over time to ensure that it will serve Washingtonians as intended.
Dan Murphy, recent director for the Northwest Regional Council, Area Agencies on Aging:
“Delaying implementation of this urgently needed program unfortunately means many folks will have longer to wait for the help they need covering costs of care. However, the delay has allowed lawmakers to make major improvements to the program that address the concerns of near term retirees and folks who work here, but don’t live in Washington.”
Cathy McCaul, advocacy director for Washington State AARP:
“With the passage of HB 1732 and 1733, WA Cares will help more workers, including near-retirees access affordable, reliable, flexible long-term care when they need it. Right now, thousands of Washingtonians face the impossible choice between going without needed care or emptying their savings to qualify for Medicaid. The improved WA Cares creates a way to help pay for the care Washingtonians need to age in their own homes, as so many of us would like to do, or to partially cover the costs of a long-term care facility.”
Jessica Gomez, campaign director for Washingtonians for a Responsible Future:
“These measures address the main concerns that have been raised about how to make the program work for everyone. We are happy to see the legislature moved quickly to improve WA Cares, a program that was developed to address the growing challenge faced by the majority of folks who are caught between a rock and a hard place – people who want to stay in their homes as they age or experience disabilities related to injuries, chronic disease, or dementia, but can’t afford long term care services.”
SEIU 775 Public Affairs Director Madeleine Foutch, representing more than 45,000 caregivers:
“Extending the ability for individuals to get at least a partial benefit will provide more equitable and positive health outcomes, and provide peace of mind that there is a meaningful benefit if (and when) the unimaginable happens and you require assistance with daily living activities.”
Uini Lealaitafea of Tacoma:
“For years I worked a full-time job while being the sole caregiver for my brother-in-law and for my husband. If WA Cares existed then, it would have saved me and my family from constant struggle and fear of not being able to pay the bills while juggling work and providing long term care to our loved ones. Thank you for helping Washington families like ours by improving WA Cares.”
Dani Rice of Asotin:
“I never thought I would need someone to care for me. Three years ago, when my son turned 2, I went into the hospital for a common medical procedure. Everyone swore it was safe, and low risk. I came out with a spinal cord injury. I was 30. I will be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. In a split second everything in your life can change, and you end up being the one that needs long term care. I’m self-sufficient today, but if I require more help at home — if my husband has to quit his job to care for me — we’d have to sell our house. I don’t know how we’d make it.”
Michele Horaney of the Olympia:
“As an active anti-ageism advocate and someone who’s worked on public policy specific to healthcare for many years, I am impressed by the Washington legislature’s forward-thinking plans. I’m especially excited that the WA Cares program will provide people with options besides nursing homes to receive the care they need.”
Alyssa Evans from Concrete:
“The money and flexibility that WA Cares would provide would be life-changing. My mom was really looking forward to being able to age at home when her workplace sent her a letter about WA Cares. However, they recommended opting out and suggested a little-known insurance provider that quoted her almost $500/month due to her health history. Not only can she not afford that, but we know that that insurance wouldn’t allow her to age at home and be cared for by me as we’ve always talked about. Taking care of those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors. WA Cares will make caring for our loved ones possible.”
###