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States Eye Public Care Options After WA Launch
28 Oct
Summary
- Washington's WA Cares program is the first public long-term care insurance.
- It's funded by a 0.58% tax on worker wages.
- Eligible residents can get up to $36,500 for care needs.
Washington state has pioneered the nation's first public long-term care insurance program, WA Cares, which began paying benefits in July 2026. This initiative is funded through a 0.58% tax on workers' wages. The program aims to address the growing concern over long-term care expenses, which can be financially devastating for many Americans who are unprepared.
Eligible residents can receive up to $36,500 in lifetime benefits to cover various care needs, including in-home assistance. This experiment is being closely observed by other states, with a dozen reportedly exploring similar public long-term care insurance models. Experts believe Washington's program could offer valuable lessons for broader affordability efforts.
Medicare typically does not cover long-term care, and families often deplete savings before qualifying for Medicaid. Only a small percentage of adults have private long-term care insurance due to high costs and availability issues. As of late September 2026, WA Cares had processed hundreds of applications, with over 100 individuals actively receiving services and significant funds disbursed to care providers.
