Employees: WA Cares exemption application now available

Do you already have a long-term care plan? WA Cares can supplement private long-term care benefits, especially for workers who won't retire for three or more years, but some qualifying workers may still choose to apply for an exemption from WA Cares coverage. Learn more about WA Cares Fund and Private Long-Term Care Insurance. Please note, long term disability plans are not the same as long term care and do not offer qualifying coverage to apply for an exemption from WA Cares coverage.

Remember, exemptions are permanent. Workers who apply and are approved for an exemption will be permanently disqualified from WA Cares. This means they may never re-enroll and they'll be unable to collect WA Cares benefits in their lifetime, even if they need them.

WA Cares Fund staff answers frequently asked questions. Visit the page on how to apply for an exemption for answers to FAQs about the application process. And stop by the Learn more page, to learn the answers to common questions.

Join a live webinar

Washington is the first state in the nation to develop a public plan that makes long-term care insurance affordable. WA Cares Fund staff is inviting workers to attend live informational webinars where they can learn more about what benefits are available, how to vest and other details about the state's approach to providing long-term care coverage. They'll have an opportunity to speak directly with WA Cares Fund staff and get their questions answered. Pre-registration to attend is not required.

Employees who can't attend a webinar are encouraged to visit wacaresfund.wa.gov or check out our informational flyer for more information about the program.