Submitted by the Northwest Regional Council.
Long-term care is a range of services and supports for people to help them in their daily lives. It may include things like receiving personal care in your home, home-delivered meals, home modifications, assistive devices, help with transportation or residential care. The need for long-term care can come suddenly due to an injury or accident but can also be a result of prolonged illness, dementia or advanced aging. Seven out of 10 Washingtonians will need long-term care at some point in their lives.
The WA Cares Fund is a public long-term care insurance. All working Washingtonians have been contributing a small percentage (.58%) of their income into the fund since 2023. Benefits starting at $36,500 will be available starting July 2026 for individuals who have met the contribution requirement and have a care need. WA Cares lets you choose how to use the funds to best meet your personal long-term care needs without necessitating the purchase of private long-term care insurance.
The Northwest Regional Council is passionate about helping people navigate long-term care, and helping families understand the services and resources that are available to them. WA Cares is a first-of-its-kind benefit that will reach Washingtonians when they need it most.
Learn more about WA Cares at www.wecareforwacares.org and www.wacaresfund.wa.gov or call us at 360-676-6749.
NWRC has been helping older adults, people with complex medical conditions and their families obtain resources and assistance that promote optimal health, well-being and independence to improve quality of life in Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties since 1971. For more information, visit www.nwrcwa.org.
