Long Term Care Services and Supports Act / WA Cares Fund Delayed Until 2023

On January 27, 2021, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed two bills into law that affect the Long Term Services and Supports Act (LTSS Act), also known as the WA Cares Fund.  The bills delay the collection of premiums until July 2023 and direct employers to refund premiums collected within 120 days.  Changes to the Act also allow workers born prior to 1968 to qualify for partial benefits and allows those who work in Washington, but live out of state, military spouses and registered domestic partners, workers on non-immigrant visas, and certain disabled veterans to opt-out of the program.

Employers should immediately stop deducting premiums for this program from employees’ paychecks, refund any amounts collected, and continue to collect and retain exemptions letters provided by employees.

AI will continue to monitor changes in the law and provide updates as they become available. Copies of the bills can be found here and here. If you have questions about the changes to the LTSS Act, please contact Member Care.