The bill aims to enhance the WACares program by incorporating recommendations from the long-term services and supports trust commission. Key amendments allow employees or self-employed individuals who move out of Washington to continue participating in the program if they have paid premiums for at least three years and notify the employment security department within one year of their relocation. It also establishes that out-of-state participants cannot withdraw from coverage and outlines the responsibilities of the employment security department regarding premium payments and documentation. Additionally, the bill updates definitions related to long-term services and supports, mandates collaboration among relevant departments, and restructures the overseeing commission to include various stakeholders, ensuring decisions focus on benefit adequacy and fund solvency.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions regarding premium assessments and exemptions for certain employees, including veterans and active-duty service members, and clarifies conditions for these exemptions. It specifies that exempt employees are not entitled to refunds for premiums deducted before their exemption is approved. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria for benefits, mandates inquiries about supplemental long-term care insurance during benefit applications, and establishes a pilot project to assess eligibility determination processes. Furthermore, it sets comprehensive standards for supplemental long-term care insurance policies, enhancing consumer protections and requiring clear communication of policy terms. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the structure and operational efficiency of the long-term services and supports program while ensuring financial sustainability and consumer protection.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50B.04.180, 50B.04.010, 50B.04.020, 74.04.025, 50B.04.050, 50B.04.055, 50B.04.060, 50B.04.070, 50B.04.085, 50B.04.100, 50B.04.040, 50B.04.140, 70.127.040
Substitute Bill: 50B.04.180, 50B.04.010, 50B.04.020, 74.04.025, 50B.04.050, 50B.04.055, 50B.04.060, 50B.04.070, 50B.04.085, 50B.04.100, 50B.04.040, 50B.04.140, 70.127.040
Engrossed Substitute: 50B.04.180, 50B.04.010, 50B.04.020, 74.04.025, 50B.04.050, 50B.04.055, 50B.04.060, 50B.04.070, 50B.04.085, 50B.04.100, 50B.04.040, 50B.04.140, 70.127.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 50B.04.180, 50B.04.010, 50B.04.020, 74.04.025, 50B.04.050, 50B.04.055, 50B.04.060, 50B.04.070, 50B.04.085, 50B.04.100, 50B.04.040, 50B.04.140, 70.127.040, 48.85.010, 48.85.030
Session Law: 50B.04.180, 50B.04.010, 50B.04.020, 74.04.025, 50B.04.050, 50B.04.055, 50B.04.060, 50B.04.070, 50B.04.085, 50B.04.100, 50B.04.040, 50B.04.140, 70.127.040, 48.85.010, 48.85.030