Washington Cares Fund -- Long Term Care (WA CARES)

With WA Cares Fund, employees can receive long-term care services and supports. It covers care in the home (or at a facility), as well as home modifications, meal delivery, car rides, and caregiver training.

WA Cares Fund is self-funded by worker contributions. Unlike private long-term care insurance, which requires premiums even after retirement, employees only contribute to WA Cares Fund while they work.

Employees can apply for exemption. Applying for exemption expels the employee from the program with no option to re-enroll. The employee must present their "exemption approval letter to all current and future employers."

Washington employers are required to report employee wages and hours and pay premiums every quarter. Premiums are collected the same way premiums are collected for Paid Leave.

Premiums are calculated on gross wages. There is no wage limit.