Benefit Coverage

Beginning July 2026, each person who is eligible to receive the full WA Cares Fund benefit can access long-term care services and supports costing up to $36,500 (adjusted annually up to inflation).  

You choose the care you need

 

WA Cares can help you pay for care in your home or in a residential care setting. It's your choice. Here are some of the common situations the benefit will cover:

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paid caregiver

Pay a family member to provide care

You can hire a home care aide or pay a qualified family member (including a spouse) to provide care. Learn more about paid family caregivers.

 

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Get food delivered or transportation

You can pay for meal delivery services so that you can get nutritious food right to your door or transportation to medical appointments. 

 

 

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Make your home safe and accessible

You can pay for home modifications (like installing grab bars) so you can get around better, or purchase a home safety evaluation to prevent avoidable falls. 

 

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Pay for wheelchairs, scooters, and more

You can purchase assistive equipment that help you get around, or even medication reminder tools.

the services washingtonians need

Explore covered services

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Professional caregiver

In-home caregivers

Care providers who can help you with personal care and household chores in your home

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Residential care

Care provided in an adult family home, assisted living, nursing home or other facility

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Home accessibility

Home safety evaluations, wheelchair ramps or lifts, grab bars, and more

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Meal delivery

Nutritious meals or prescription nutrition delivered to your home

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Rides & transportation

Scheduled rides to and from appointments or grocery shopping

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Wheelchair

Mobility & assistive devices

Wheelchairs, walkers, personal emergency response systems, medication reminders, and more

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Care supplies

Feeding supplies, adult diapers, wound care, nebulizer kits, and more

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Caregiver support services & training

Education & training, respite care, care coordination, and more

how far does the benefit go?

 

With your WA Cares benefit, you’ll have up to $36,500 (adjusted annually up to inflation) to spend on covered services. (Learn more about benefit amounts, based on years of contributions.) But how much does that really cover? For about a third of people, this amount could cover all the care they need in a lifetime. For everyone else, it will provide immediate relief from long-term care costs without the need to spend down their savings, as well as time to plan for any future needs. For people with private long-term care insurance, WA Cares can help cover the benefit waiting period.

 

Please note: These scenarios are just examples (created in 2022) and do not guarantee the cost of any services, which may vary based on your area and other factors.

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family-caregiver

Enable a family member to become your paid caregiver

If you have a family member who helps you out on a regular basis, they may qualify to become your paid caregiver. They can also get the training and support they need.
Example services (prices are estimates only)
Paying a family caregiver (10 hours/week for 2 years) $31,300
Care supplies (2-year diaper supply) $2,200
Total
$33,500
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home accessibility icon

Make your home accessible to stay independent longer

You can use your benefit to make your home ADA accessible, purchase a new wheelchair or scooter, and get meals delivered if cooking is no longer an option.
Example services (prices are estimates only)
Home safety renovation $15,000
Electric wheelchair or scooter $2,600
Weekly meal delivery (7 meals/week for 3 years) $9,200
Total
$26,800
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Professional caregiver

Get temporary support and services after an accident

You can get services based on a sudden need, such as after an accident or recovering from surgery. This could include a short-term caregiver, or other helpful services.
Example services (prices are estimates only)
Part-time caregiver (20 hours/week for 1 year) $31,300
Transportation to appointments (for 1 year) $3,200
Crutches $50
Total
$34,600