Washington State Launches Nation's First Public Long-Term Care Insurance Program, WA Cares
Washington state has launched WA Cares, the first state-run long-term care insurance program in the United States. This program aims to make long-term care more affordable for older Americans, with benefits financed through a 0.58% tax on workers' pay, which began collection in July 2023. WA Cares covers expenses not typically covered by Medicare, such as home health aides, meals, and transportation. Workers generally qualify for benefits after paying the tax for a decade, though looser eligibility rules are in place during the program's early stages. Benefits are capped at a lifetime total of $36,500 per person, adjusted annually for inflation. Since its inception on July 1, WA Cares has received over 500 applications and deemed 130 individuals eligible for benefits, authorizing $3.9 million in benefits, with many using the insurance to compensate relatives for at-home care. 
