The bill seeks 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 maintain their participation 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 collection and wage verification. Notable insertions include requirements for out-of-state participants to report earnings and the establishment of rules for approved services, while outdated provisions have been deleted to streamline operations.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions for the management and regulation of supplemental long-term care insurance, enhancing consumer protections and establishing clearer guidelines for insurance issuers. It mandates that insurance producers provide an outline of coverage before soliciting applications and requires policy summaries to accompany supplemental long-term care insurance contracts. The bill also emphasizes the need for consumer education programs to help individuals make informed decisions about long-term care insurance. Furthermore, it outlines the responsibilities of issuers in determining the suitability of insurance products for applicants and prohibits deceptive marketing practices. Overall, the legislation aims to create a more transparent and consumer-friendly environment for long-term care services and insurance in Washington State.

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