WA Cares Fund
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WA Cares Fund Overview
The WA Cares Fund is a first-in-the-nation long-term care insurance program for Washington workers. This public program starts providing benefits in July 2026. Most Washington workers contribute a small portion of their paychecks to the fund. They can earn a long-term care benefit to help pay for qualifying care needs. These needs could include home care, home-delivered meals, transportation, and adaptive equipment.
Who WA Cares Fund Serves
The WA Cares Fund is a statewide program for workers in Washington. Most employees must participate, including full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. Self-employed individuals can choose to join. The program has special options for people nearing retirement and for workers who move out of Washington after contributing.
Some groups do not contribute to the fund or access its benefits. These groups include federal employees, current retirees, and people who qualify for certain exemptions.
Washington residents of any age may qualify to access WA Cares Fund benefits, including but not limited to:
- Those who may not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford or qualify for private long-term care insurance
- People who develop significant long-term care needs, regardless of age
- Individuals with disabilities or sudden illnesses
- Workers who experience life-altering events like a serious car crash or stroke
- People with pre-existing conditions (coverage cannot be denied based on medical history)
How You Can Use WA Cares Fund Benefits
If you qualify for benefits, you can find an in-home care provider and more. You can use benefits for specific services or for goods that make your home safer. With WA Cares Fund, you can:
- Be reimbursed for mileage
- Purchase goods and services
- Get reimbursements for items already purchased
- Choose a care provider for your needs
To learn more about how the benefit can be used, visit Covered Benefits.
With GT Independence, You Can Get Access to…
A requirement to accessing your benefit is needing care. This is because WA Cares Fund is a long-term care insurance program, not a savings account. WA Cares Fund evaluates your care needs by determining if you need help with three or more activities of daily living, such as bathing or managing medications. If you qualify, you can work with GT Independence to access:
- Home and safety modifications
- Adaptive equipment and technology
- Transportation
How GT Independence Helps WA Cares Fund
Beneficiaries
GT Independence helps people use their WA Cares Fund benefits by helping to pay for approved items and services.
Providers
GT Independence helps providers get paid, understand the program, and support WA Cares Fund beneficiaries so they can receive the services and items they need.
To learn more about contracting with the WA Cares Fund program please contact DSHS or your local AAA (Area Agency on Aging).
How GT Independence Supports You
At GT Independence, we believe you should be able to live life on your own terms. As a family-founded and disability-led financial management service (FMS), we help you manage your services. You control your care. We take care of the details. Our support specialists:
- Answer WA Cares Fund questions
- Process reimbursements
- Provide help with buying goods and services
How to Get Started
1. Create a WA Cares Fund Account
2. Submit an application
3. Receive your determination
Learn more about Applying for benefits
Once you’ve received your approved determination, please get in touch with GT’s customer service representatives to start using your benefit.
Call us: 877-659-4500
Email us: customerservice@gtindependence.com