Washington State is making history. Its groundbreaking long term care insurance program, WA Cares, is set to roll out on July 1, 2026. This isn’t just another government initiative—it’s the first program of its kind in the U.S. And it’s a big deal.
Why? Because long-term care is expensive. Really expensive. And most people don’t have a plan for it. WA Cares aims to change that by giving workers a way to save for care as they age.
How It Works
Here’s the deal: WA Cares is funded by a 0.58% payroll tax. That’s about $25 a month for someone earning $50,000 a year. Not bad, right? The money goes into a trust fund, and starting in 2026, eligible Washingtonians can tap into it.
The benefit? Up to $36,500 (adjusted for inflation). It can be used for things like in-home care, medical equipment, meals, and even respite care for family caregivers.
But there’s a catch. To qualify for full benefits, you’ve got to contribute for 10 years (with no breaks longer than five years). Or, you can pay in for three years within the last six before applying. Nearing retirement? Don’t worry. If you were born before 1968, you can still get partial benefits based on how many years you’ve contributed.
Who’s In—and Who’s Out?
Not everyone is part of the program. Some workers opted out early by proving they had private long-term care insurance. About 413,000 people took that route. Others are automatically exempt, like out-of-state residents working in Washington, military spouses, non-immigrant visa holders, and certain disabled veterans.
But here’s the twist: Starting in 2026, workers who opted out can change their minds. They’ll have until 2028 to rescind their exemptions and rejoin the program. Why? Rising private insurance premiums and new program updates are making WA Cares look a lot more appealing.
Fixing the Flaws
WA Cares hasn’t had an easy road. Critics have called it unfair, mandatory, and inflexible. What if you stop working for a while? What if you move out of state?
Lawmakers listened. They’ve made changes. Benefits are now portable, meaning you can still use them if you move out of Washington. Workers who leave the workforce temporarily won’t lose credit for their contributions. And private insurers can now offer supplemental plans to work alongside WA Cares.
It’s not perfect. But it’s getting there.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about Washington. Other states are watching closely. They’re dealing with the same issues: aging populations, skyrocketing care costs, and tight budgets.
WA Cares is a test case. If it works, it could inspire similar programs across the country.
Think about it. Aging is tough. It’s a time when people are vulnerable—physically, emotionally, and financially. Having a pot of money to help with care? That’s a game-changer.
What’s Next?
Before the big launch, the state will run a pilot program in four counties: Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Spokane. About 400 people will test the system starting in January 2026.
There’s still work to do. But officials are optimistic.
“This is going to be amazing,” said Cathy Knight, director of the Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “We’ve needed something like this for a long time.”
She’s right. Long-term care is a growing crisis. WA Cares might just be the solution we’ve been waiting for.