The bill seeks to improve the WA Cares fund, a public long-term care insurance program in Washington, by allowing individuals who have contributed for at least three years to retain their benefits even if they move out of state, provided they notify the employment security department within a year. It also introduces a voluntary private market supplemental long-term care insurance option and establishes a pilot project to assess the long-term services and supports trust program. Key amendments include changing the benefit unit from "one hundred dollars" to "$100" and mandating the employment security department to create rules for reporting and documentation for out-of-state participants. The bill aims to create a more equitable long-term care support system for Washington residents.

Additionally, the bill revises existing laws related to the long-term services and supports trust commission, specifying that its recommendations must prioritize benefit adequacy and fund sustainability. It outlines criteria for qualifying for long-term services and supports, including premium payment requirements, and clarifies exemption criteria for certain employees. The legislation also introduces new provisions for supplemental long-term care insurance, establishing definitions, consumer protections, and requirements for issuers. Notably, it mandates that policies cannot be canceled based on age or health deterioration and requires issuers to provide a 30-day return period for policies. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, contingent upon the outcome of Initiative Measure No. 2124 in the 2024 general election.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50B.04.010, 50B.04.020, 74.04.025, 50B.04.055, 50B.04.060, 50B.04.070, 50B.04.085, 50B.04.100, 50B.04.040