In Defense of the WA Cares Fund: Age with dignity and independence June 2nd Wednesday Speaker Series

Why does Washington need a strong WA Cares Fund? 70% of Washington residents will need long term care, for a start!

WA Cares is a mandatory long-term care insurance program established by Washington state law in 2019. Ruth Egger, consumer representative on the Long-Term Services & Support Trust Commission, and Erin Lee, Coordinator for No On I-2124 took us on a deep dive into the need for the WA Cares Fund and a 2024 ballot initiative that may destroy the program. Washington was the first state in the nation to create a public long-term care benefits program. This short video explains the program and the ballot initiative so that you can make an informed opinion when you vote.

00:00 - Welcome and introduction from HCFA-WA President Ronnie Shure
02:58 - Ruth Eggers presentation
13:55 - Erin Lee presentation
23:20 - Request for donations from Ronnie Shure
25:29 - Q&A
51:11 - Thank you and wrap up from Ronnie

Here are the key details about WA Cares Long Term Care Services program:
Provides a lifetime maximum benefit of $36,500 (adjusted annually for inflation) that can be used to pay for long-term care services like professional care, equipment, home modifications, and compensation for family caregivers.

Funded by a payroll deduction of 0.58% of wages from all employees in Washington state, with some exceptions.

Benefits become available starting July 1, 2026, for eligible individuals who have paid the premium for at least 3 of the last 6 years or a total of 10 years.

For complete information on the WA Cares fund, go here: https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/how-it-works
For more information on the No On I-2124 Campaign go here: https://www.noon2124.org/
Learn more about us here: https://www.hcfawa.org
Support our work: https://www.hcfawa.org/donate