Washington’s long-term care program delayed

January 28, 2022

Gov. Jay Inslee today announced an 18-month delay in the implementation of the state’s long-term care program. The two bills he signed into law today:

1. Delay implementation of the state’s long-term care program for all workers;
2. Modify eligibility for those nearing retirement; and
3. Allow more workers to opt out if they choose.

The Employment Security Department advises employers who collected premiums from their employees starting Jan. 1, 2022, to:

• Stop withholding WA Cares premiums from employee earnings.
• Reimburse employees for WA Cares premiums within 120 days of the date premiums were collected.
• Continue to maintain copies of exemption approval letters for workers who’ve provided them.

For more information, visit the state’s long-term care program website at https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/