Frequently asked questions
What is long-term care?
Long-term care refers to a range of services and support designed to help people meet their daily needs over an extended period. It is estimated that, whether due to age, injury, disability, or chronic illness, as many as seven in 10 Washingtonians will need long-term care at some point in their lives.
Who needs long-term care?
Long-term care services and support are for people who need help to complete daily tasks of living like eating, dressing and bathing. Many people need long-term care due to aging, but it is also for younger people who have been injured or become disabled.
It can refer to care that happens at home through the help of professional or family caregivers. It can also refer to care that happens in residential care facilities like nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living settings.
People may need long-term care due to:
- Injuries from a car accident or fall
- Rehabilitation after surgery or hospitalization
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Chronic illness like heart disease
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Developmental or intellectual disabilities
Are there different types of long-term care?
Yes, long-term care can take place either in the home or in a care facility. Home-based care may be provided by hired personal care aides or family caregivers, usually adult children. Facility-based care is typically provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or adult family homes.
How do people pay for long-term care?
For many years, people have had limited options to cover long-term care expenses.
- Personal savings – With this option, people pay for long-term care out of pocket.
- Private long-term care insurance – With this option, people must qualify for long-term care coverage with a private insurance company. Many people are denied for pre-existing conditions, and many policies have a 90-day waiting period before you can access benefits.
- Medicaid – In some instances, when families have spent down their life savings to less than $2,000 in total assets – including their home and car – Medicaid may cover some long-term care services.
Today, people working in Washington have the added benefit of WA Cares. During their career, the average Washington worker will contribute just $291 a year to the WA Cares Fund. In return, they secure a guaranteed lifetime access to the full $36,500 benefit (adjust annually for inflation). Recent improvements make the benefits portable, so even if you move out of state, you can take your WA Cares benefits with you.
Does Medicare cover long-term care expenses?
No, contrary to what many believe, long-term care is not covered by Medicare. Although 57% of Americans expect to rely on Medicare for ongoing living expenses, Medicare is not intended to be a primary funding source for long-term care.
WA Cares supports people and families
WA Cares gives you and your loved ones the flexibility and financial support you need to make long-term care decisions that are right for you. For many people, the WA Cares benefit will be enough to cover all their long-term care needs. For individuals with more intensive needs, WA Cares provides families with immediate relief and time to plan for future long-term care costs.