This post has been updated (2023)
What you need to do as an employer
Nonprofits should provide this slide deck to your employees for a helpful summary of what they need to know. The long-term care coverage is being funded by a new employee-paid premium of $0.58 for every $100 earned. Starting on July 1, 2023, nonprofits need to begin deducting this amount from their employees’ paychecks.
Information for employees
Benefits: You will be able to receive coverage for costs of long-term up to a current maximum of $36,500 over a lifetime. This daily coverage is similar to commercial plans. The value of this benefits will increase over time to keep pace with inflation. Benefits from the WA Cares Fund will become available on January 1, 2025.
Coverage is paid for by a monthly premium deducted from your paycheck. Those that earn less, pay less. For example, if your annual salary is $50,000, you will pay a premium of $290 a year. An employee earning $600,000 will pay $3,480. This tool will help you estimate your premium.
If you work for a Washington-based organization but do not live in Washington and do not expect to benefit from the program, you can request an exemption.
Visit the WA Cares Fund website to learn more about this program.
Photo credit: https://www.freepik.com.