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Aging and Long Term Care

Aging & Long Term Care (ALTC) - Southeast Washington

Long Term Care Support for Senior, Disabled and Caregivers

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WA Cares

WA CARES Fund_Apple

Long-term care needs can affect anyone at any age

7 in 10 people will need long-term care services during their lifetime. For some, the need may be temporary following an illness, injury, or accident. For others, it may occur later in life. In both cases, these supports are considered long-term care.

The WA Cares Fund is the nation’s first public long-term care insurance program, designed to help working Washingtonians prepare for future care needs. Unlike many assistance programs, WA Cares is not based on income limits or asset spend-down requirements. Eligible Washington workers who meet contribution and care-need requirements can access benefits regardless of income.

Workers contribute 0.58% of their wages and, once eligible, can access a lifetime benefit of up to $36,500 (adjusted annually for inflation) to pay for a variety of approved long-term care services and supports. Individuals have the flexibility to choose the services that best meet their needs.

WA Cares provides financial support and peace of mind during some of life’s most challenging moments, helping individuals and families maintain independence while planning for the future. For many Washingtonians, the benefit may cover a significant portion or even all of their long-term care needs.

Washington workers began contributing to the fund in July 2023, and eligible individuals can access benefits beginning July 1, 2026.

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Planning For WA Cares:  
For You or a Loved One.

 

WA Cares Benefit

WA Cares makes long-term care more accessible for Washington workers.  While private long-term care insurance can be costly and many public assistance programs have strict income and asset limits, WA Cares provides eligible workers with an affordable way to prepare for future care needs.

WA Cares was created because most people will need long-term care at some point in their lives, yet many do not have a reliable way to pay for it.  For most of us, it is not a matter of "if" we will need care, but when.  WA Cares helps provide peace of mind by offering a benefit that can help cover the cost of care when it is needed most, protecting individuals and families from unexpected financial hardship.

Flexible Options for Benefits

Once approved for benefits, you can choose a qualified WA Cares provider and use your benefit to pay for covered services and supports.  The program is designed to give Washingtonians greater choice and flexibility in how they receive care.

Whether you are planning for your own future or helping a loved one navigate care needs, WA Cares offers a flexible benefit that can be used for a variety of approved services.  Because long-term care is not one-size-fits-all, the program allows you to choose the supports that best meets your unique needs and goals.

Application Process

The WA Cares website offers a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process.

Apply for WA Cares Benefits


If you need assistance or have questions about the program, you can also visit your local ALTC Aging and Disability Resource Center or contact us by phone.  Our staff are available to help you understand eligibility requirements, navigate the application process, and connect with available resources.

Find Your Local ADRC Office

Become a WA Cares Provider.

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Contracted Services through Aging & Long Term Care

ALTC, an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is looking for service providers to support WA Care beneficiaries in Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Kittitas, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties. Providers interested in applying can learn more about the application process here.

Contracts for WA Cares have an open procurement process for the following contracted service providers in our region for Washingtonians who are eligible for WA Cares:

  • Adult Day Services
    • Adult Day Care
    • Adult Day Health
  • Dementia and Behavioral Support
  • Education and Consultation
  • Environmental Modifications
  • Home-Delivered Meals
  • Home Safety Evaluations
  • In-Home Personal Care and Respite with Home Care Agencies
  • Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
  • Professional Nursing Services
    • Skilled Nursing
  • Housework and Errands
  • Yardwork and Snow Removal

You can contact Caitie Canup and Uriel Ramirez at the ALTC Administration office regarding questions on contracting for WA Cares on the contracts listed above.

Email:  [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS HERE]
Call:  (509) 965-0105.

Contracted Services through DSHS

DSHS is responsible for all applications and contracting for these service types and should be contacted directly at:

[INSERT DSHS WEBSITE, EMAIL, AND PHONE NUMBER]

  • Adaptive Equipment and Technology
  • Adult Family Home Services
    • Including Paid Family CaregiversI
  • Assisted Living Facilities
    • Including Respite Care
  • Care Transition Coordination
  • In-Home Personal Care and Respite Care from Individual Providers
    • Including Paid Family Caregivers
  • Memory Care
  • Nursing Homes
    • Including Respite Care
  • Professional Nursing Services
    • Including Nurse Delegation and Private Duty Nursing

Contractor Application

 

Apply to be a WA Cares Contractor

Additional Resources for Providers

More Information on Becoming a Provider
Provider Toolkit

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Resources for Employers and Community Partners

Resources for Employers and Community Partners

Southeast Washington Aging & Long Term Care is committed to providing education and resources about WA Cares so employers, organizations, and community members understand how the program works, who may qualify, and how to access benefits when needed.

Long-term care needs can affect anyone a family member, employee, friend, neighbor, or client. By increasing awareness of WA Cares, we can help ensure Washingtonians are prepared and able to access services and support when they need them most and even help inform someone in their life who may need it.

We offer WA Cares trainings in both English and Spanish on topics including beneficiary services, eligibility requirements, exemptions, how to access benefits, and understanding long-term care.

Community Outreach and Event Tabling

We provide informational materials and answer questions at health fairs, resource fairs, veteran stand-down events, community gatherings, and other public events. Our goal is to bring WA Cares information directly into the communities we serve. If you are hosting an event and would like us to participate, please contact us.

Presentations and Training

We offer free 30-minute presentations, both in person and virtually, for organizations, businesses, and community groups interested in learning more about WA Cares. These trainings are particularly valuable for:

  • Human Resources professionals and employers
  • Healthcare providers and medical staff
  • Social workers and case managers
  • Community organizations and nonprofits
  • Caregivers and family members
  • Individuals interested in learning more about WA Cares

Presentations can be customized to meet your audience's needs, ranging from a high-level overview to a more detailed discussion with opportunities for questions and answers.

Educational Materials and Flyers

We can provide informational flyers and educational materials for employers, community organizations, healthcare providers, and other partners. These resources can help employees, clients, patients, and community members better understand WA Cares, eligibility requirements, covered services, and how to apply for benefits.

Contact Us

To request training, materials, or outreach support, please contact:
Caitie Canup:     caitie.canup@dshs.wa.gov
Uriel Ramirez:    uriel.ramirez@dshs.wa.gov

Or call our Administration office at:
(509) 965-0105

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About Us

ALTC – Southeast Washington is a designated Area Agency on Aging that oversees Aging and Disability Resource centers in the eight-county area of Southeast Washington:
Asotin County
Benton County
Columbia County
Franklin County
Garfield County
Kittitas County
Walla Walla County
Yakima County

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Services & Resources

  • FAQ’s (Caregivers)
  • Who is a Caregiver?
  • Caregiver Support Program
  • Caregiver Support Services
  • Information and Referral Services
  • Healthcare Provider Referral for Care
  • Case Management Options
  • Benefits Assistance
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Disease Self-Management Plans
  • Caregiver Trainings and Workshops
  • Kinship Care
  • Residency Practicum Only

Helpful Sites

  • Washington Assoc. of Area Agencies of Aging
  • National Assoc. of Area Agencies on Aging
  • Washington State Community Living Connections
  • Washington State Dept of Social And Health Services, About ALTSA
  • Administration for Community Living, Older Americans Act
  • Alzheimer’s Association
  • Dementia Roadmap – Guide for Families and Caregivers
  • Washington Family Caregiver Learning Portal

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