A “yes” vote on Initiative I-2124 would change Washington’s WA Cares program to an opt-in system, while a “no” vote would keep it as a mandatory program. Since July 2023, employers in Washington have been deducting premiums from employee paychecks to fund the WA Cares Fund, a long-term care insurance program established in 2019. Having insurance is important, especially for working people.
Under the Long Term Care Act, eligible employees must contribute 0.58% of their earnings to the fund. Some workers who are less likely to use the fund may qualify for exemptions, with further details available online. The WA Cares Fund is designed to provide residents with a benefit of $36,500 for long-term care, which will be adjusted annually for inflation. Benefits will be available to eligible individuals starting in July 2026.
Supporters of Initiative I-2124 argue that the program is too expensive and that workers should have the option to choose whether to participate. Brian Heywood, founder of Let’s Go Washington, expressed to local media that he does not wish to dismantle the program, but rather to give people the choice to opt-out. “If they like it, they can stay in and receive the benefits,” he stated.
The initiative also critiques the stipulation that workers must contribute to the program for 10 years before being eligible for benefits. In contrast, opponents of the initiative argue that it would effectively undo the program altogether. AARP Washington, which advocates for a “Vote No on I-2124” stance, claims that the initiative would remove critical financial support for Washingtonians facing serious long-term illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.
Earlier this year, lawmakers responded to concerns about the original law by passing a bill that permits residents to keep their WA Cares savings if they relocate out of state. WA Cares Director Ben Veghte noted that the program has successfully raised $1.4 billion during its first fiscal year. Initiative I-2124 has collected enough signatures to be included on the ballot for voters in December 2023, and if passed, it would go into effect 30 days after the election.
