WA Cares Fund

WA Cares is a state-run public long-term care insurance program. Most Washington workers contribute automatically through payroll deductions (premiums began July 1, 2023). Self-employed workers can opt in. When a participant needs long-term care, they apply for benefits and a WA Cares team member assesses care needs in person or by phone. Benefits begin July 2026 and cover a wide range of in-home and residential LTC services up to a lifetime cap. Participants who currently have an approved WA Cares exemption cannot qualify for benefits.