The Washington State Long Term Care program is designed to provide financial assistance for individuals who require long-term care services. It is a voluntary insurance program that helps pay for care in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or at home. 

May 2019---  First in the nation, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has signed into law public state-operated long-term care insurance program. The act is designed to provide long-term care benefits to those needing assistance with their activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or help with their medications. 

The Washington State WA Cares Program, also known as the Long-Term Care Insurance Program, is designed to provide financial support for long-term care services and supports (LTSS) to eligible individuals in the state. Here's how the program works and how it's funded:

1. Funding Mechanism:The program is funded through mandatory payroll deductions from the wages of eligible workers. These deductions are collected through a premium assessment of 0.58% (as of my last knowledge update in September 2021) on earned income. Both employees and certain self-employed individuals are subject to this premium. The premiums are collected similarly to how payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare are collected.

2. Eligibility:To be eligible, individuals must have worked a certain number of hours in Washington state in the year preceding their application (usually 500 hours) and be at least 18 years old. Eligibility criteria may vary, so it's important to check with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for the most up-to-date information.

3. Vesting Period:There is typically a vesting period before individuals can access the benefits. This means that individuals need to have paid premiums for a certain period before they can receive benefits. This period is usually three years.

4. Benefit Amount:The program provides a daily benefit amount to eligible participants. This benefit can be used to cover a range of long-term care services, including in-home care, assisted living, nursing home care, and more. The specific benefit amount may vary based on the individual's needs and the cost of care.

5. Caregiver Support:The program may also include provisions to support family caregivers, recognizing the important role they play in providing care to loved ones.

6. Administration:The program is administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The DSHS manages the collection of premiums, eligibility determination, and benefit distribution.

7. Opt-Out Option:Participants have the option to opt out of the program if they have private long-term care insurance or if they intend to purchase a qualified long-term care insurance policy before a specific deadline.

8. Benefit Qualifications:To qualify for benefits, individuals must demonstrate a need for assistance with at least three activities of daily living (ADLs) or have a cognitive impairment that requires substantial supervision.

9. Future Developments:Program details might change over time, and it's important to stay informed about any updates or changes to eligibility criteria, premiums, and benefits.

Overall, the WA Cares Program aims to provide a financial safety net for individuals in Washington state who may require long-term care services in the future, helping them maintain their quality of life while managing the costs associated with LTSS.