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Washington Cares Fund: Paycheck Deductions Begin on July 1

Posted Jun 15, 2023 02:01 PM
Starting on July 1, nonprofits in Washington need to deduct premiums from their employee's paychecks to fund the Washington Cares Fund, a state-operated long-term care insurance program open to anyone 18+.
The fund is designed to provide highly flexible benefits to adults of any age for expenses not covered by health insurance or Medicare. Learn more about this program by visiting the Washington Cares Fund website.

The premium is $0.58 per $100 earned. So, for example, if you earn $50,000 annually, you'll pay $290 per year (or $12.08 per pay period).
Use this calculator to find out how much you'll contribute. 

Benefits will be available to people who have paid into the program on July 1, 2026. The Washington Cares Fund provides a $36,500 (adjusted up to inflation) benefit that pays for things such as:
  • Professional care in your home, licensed residential facility, or nursing facility.
  • Adaptive equipment and technology, such as wheelchair ramps and medication reminder devices.
  • Home-delivered meals.
  • Memory care and dementia support.
  • Personal emergency response systems.
  • Transportation.
  • In-home personal care and assisted living services.
The program makes it possible for family members to continue working or, if they prefer, be paid to care for you. 

People who work for a Washington-based employer but live in another state can apply for an exemption. You can also apply if you are an active-duty service member's spouse (or domestic partner), have a non-immigrant work visa, or are a veteran with a 70% service-connected disability rating or higher.
Apply for an exemption.