WA Cares Fund: How WA Cares Fits into Long-term Care Planning and Housing Decisions

Why This Matters

Long-term care planning is about more than healthcare. For many families, the real question is simple: where will I live if I eventually need help?

Some people hope to remain at home for as long as possible. Others may eventually need an Adult Family Home, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. Too often, those decisions are delayed until a medical crisis forces fast choices.

That is why housing decisions and long-term care planning should be part of the same conversation.

What Is the WA Cares Fund?

The WA Cares Fund is Washington State's public long-term care insurance program.

Most Washington workers contribute through payroll deductions during their working years, and eligible participants may later use benefits to help pay for qualified long-term care services.

WA Cares is designed to provide financial help, but it is not meant to cover the full cost of long-term care.

How WA Cares Is Funded

Most Washington workers contribute 0.58% of their gross wages through automatic payroll deductions, with no cap on the wages it applies to. Here is what that roughly looks like:

• $50,000 annual income = about $290 per year
• $75,000 annual income = about $435 per year
• $100,000 annual income = about $580 per year
• $150,000 annual income = about $870 per year

Unlike many private long-term care insurance policies, WA Cares generally does not require medical underwriting.

What WA Cares May Pay For

Benefits became available on July 1, 2026. If you qualify, WA Cares provides a lifetime benefit of $36,500, an amount that grows with inflation. Approved uses may include:

• In-home personal care
• Home health aides
• Adult Family Homes
• Assisted living communities
• Memory care
• Long-term care services in nursing homes
• Home modifications such as ramps and grab bars
• Adaptive equipment and technology
• Transportation services
• Meal delivery
• Respite care
• Support for family caregivers

One of the biggest advantages of WA Cares is flexibility. It may help people stay in their homes longer before moving into a care setting.

Who May Qualify

Eligibility generally has two parts.

First, a person must meet the program's contribution requirements. There are three ways to qualify: contributing for 10 years without a break of five or more consecutive years; contributing for 3 of the last 6 years; or, for people born before 1968, partial benefits after at least one year of contributions.

Second, a person must need help with three or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or getting around, and that need must be expected to last at least 90 days.

A formal assessment is used to determine benefit eligibility.

People who move out of Washington can choose to keep their coverage if they have contributed for at least three years and opt in within one year of moving; out-of-state benefits begin in July 2030. Starting in January 2026, veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 70% or more and spouses of active-duty service members can apply for an exemption from the premium. Details are at wacaresfund.wa.gov.

Why Long-Term Care Planning Still Matters

Even with WA Cares, long-term care can still be expensive. Depending on the type of care and level of support needed, monthly costs may range from several thousand dollars to well over $10,000.

That is why it helps to understand the most common housing and care options before a crisis happens.

Aging in Place

Many people want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. That may require home modifications, in-home caregivers, transportation help, meal support, or visiting medical providers.

For many homeowners, aging in place offers the greatest sense of independence.

Adult Family Homes

Washington has a strong network of licensed Adult Family Homes, which are an important part of long-term care planning for many families.

These smaller residential homes care for two to six residents (up to eight with DSHS approval) in a home-like setting. Families often appreciate the more personal environment, lower resident count, and closer caregiver attention.

For some older adults, an Adult Family Home can be the right fit when living alone is no longer safe, but a larger facility is not yet necessary.

Assisted Living and Higher Care

Assisted living communities offer a balance of independence and support. Residents may receive help with meals, housekeeping, medication reminders, and daily activities.

Memory care is designed for people living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia and usually includes specialized staffing and added safety features.

Skilled nursing facilities provide the highest level of residential care and are often the most expensive option.

Will WA Cares Cover Everything?

Probably not. The WA Cares Fund was designed to help with long-term care expenses, not fully pay for years of care.

Many families still rely on a combination of retirement savings, Social Security, pension income, private insurance, Medicaid if eligible, family caregiving, and home equity.

The earlier planning begins, the more options people usually have.

Why Your Home Is Often Part of the Plan

For many Washington homeowners, the home is their largest financial asset.

Over time, home equity may become an important part of long-term care planning. Depending on the situation, it may help support:

• Home modifications for aging in place
• In-home care services
• Assisted living expenses
• Adult Family Home care
• Memory care
• Skilled nursing
• Downsizing to a smaller home
• A move closer to family

Because of this, housing decisions should be considered alongside retirement planning and future care needs.

Planning Ahead Creates More Choices

One of the most common mistakes families make is waiting until a health event forces a housing decision.

Planning ahead gives families time to understand care options, compare costs, explore neighborhoods and communities, organize legal and financial documents, discuss family wishes, prepare the home for future accessibility, and review funding strategies before they become urgent.

That kind of preparation often reduces stress and leads to better decisions.

Related Guides on This Site

Real Property Planning is a free educational resource that treats housing as a key part of long-term care planning. Its guides cover WA Cares Fund planning, Adult Family Homes, assisted living communities, senior housing options, aging in place, downsizing strategies, estate and probate real estate, housing transition planning, and home valuation and market insight.

Whether planning years in advance or helping a loved one through an unexpected transition, having clear information can make a meaningful difference.

Final Thoughts

The WA Cares Fund is an important step in helping Washington residents prepare for future long-term care needs.

While it may not cover every expense, it can provide valuable support when combined with thoughtful housing decisions, retirement planning, and other financial resources.

The best time to begin long-term care planning is before care is needed.

Professionals who can help include elder law attorneys, financial planners, and senior living advisors who understand the full landscape of long-term care in Washington State. Explore the full library of resources to start the conversation.