Long-term care • Washington
Washington Long-Term Care Insurance: WA Cares Benefits and When You Need More
Washington is the first state with a public long-term care insurance program. WA Cares, funded by a 0.58% payroll premium, began paying benefits in July 2026 and provides up to $36,500, adjusted for inflation, toward care. That helps, but a private nursing home room in Washington had a 2025 median of $191,625 a year, so WA Cares covers only a few months of facility care.
This guide explains WA Cares eligibility and benefits, Washington care costs, and how private coverage can fill the gap.
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How WA Cares works
- Premium: 0.58% of each paycheck while you work.
- Benefit: a lifetime benefit of $36,500, adjusted for inflation.
- Contribution requirement: 10 years of contributions, or 3 of the last 6 years when you apply. People born before 1968 can earn 10% of the full benefit for each year contributed. A year counts if you work at least 500 hours.
- Care need: help with three or more activities of daily living, expected to last at least 90 days.
- Covered services: in-home care, paid family caregivers, home modifications, meals, adult day services, assisted living, and nursing homes.
- Portability: you can keep participating if you move out of state.
Sources: WA Cares Fund; OPB, July 2026.
What care costs in Washington
| Type of care | Washington median |
|---|---|
| Assisted living community | $91,200 |
| Nursing home, semi-private room | $157,859 |
| Nursing home, private room | $191,625 |
Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey, July–November 2025. The national median for assisted living was $76,200. Costs vary within the state, often running higher in large metro areas.
Where WA Cares falls short
At Washington’s 2025 median, $36,500 would pay for about 10 weeks in a private nursing home room or about five months of assisted living. Most people who need care for years will need savings, private insurance, or Medicaid as well. Private long-term care insurance, hybrid policies, and riders can be bought to supplement WA Cares, often with smaller benefits than you’d need without it.
Example: WA Cares plus private coverage
Illustrative only: a Washington resident needs three years of assisted living, about $273,600 at the 2025 median. WA Cares could pay $36,500. A private policy paying $5,000 a month for three years would add about $180,000, leaving about $57,100 to cover from savings.
What Medicare won’t pay
Medicare doesn’t cover long-term custodial care, the everyday help with bathing, dressing, and eating that most people need (Medicare.gov). It can cover a skilled nursing facility stay of up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay, but in 2026 you pay $217 a day for days 21 through 100 (CMS). For longer care, Washington residents rely on savings, insurance, or Medicaid.
Coverage options for Washington residents
- Traditional long-term care insurance: the most care benefit per premium dollar, though premiums can rise.
- Hybrid life and LTC policies: care benefits plus a death benefit if you don’t need care.
- Life insurance riders: use part of a death benefit for care.
- Short-term care insurance: covers a year or less of care, with simpler underwriting.
Premiums for tax-qualified policies can be deductible as medical expenses, up to $4,960 for ages 61 to 70 and $6,200 for 71 and older in 2026 (ElderLawAnswers).
Checklist for Washington residents
- Check your WA Cares contribution years and eligibility pathway.
- Estimate care costs where you live; Seattle-area costs are usually higher.
- Size private coverage to the gap between WA Cares and likely costs.
- Ask about hybrid or rider options if you want a death benefit too.
- Keep records of where you’ve worked if you plan to move out of state.
Washington long-term care FAQs
How much does a nursing home cost in Washington?
The 2025 median for a private room was $191,625 a year, according to CareScout.
How much does assisted living cost in Washington?
The 2025 median was $91,200 a year.
Does Medicare pay for long-term care in Washington?
No. Medicare doesn’t cover long-term custodial care, though it can cover short skilled nursing stays.
How much does WA Cares pay?
Up to $36,500 over your lifetime, adjusted for inflation.
When did WA Cares benefits start?
In July 2026.
Who qualifies for WA Cares?
Workers who contributed 10 years, or 3 of the last 6, and need help with three or more daily activities; people born before 1968 can get partial benefits.
Do I need private long-term care insurance if I have WA Cares?
Many people do, since WA Cares covers only a few months of facility care at Washington prices.
Related guides
Important information
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Cost and program figures. Care costs, Medicare and Medicaid amounts, and tax limits are cited from the sources named, for the years shown, and change regularly. Examples are illustrative, not quotes; your price depends on the insurer, your age, health, and the coverage you choose.
Not tax, legal, or Medicaid planning advice. Rules summarized here are general information as of November 2026. Talk with a tax professional or elder law attorney about your situation.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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