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. Out-of-state participants are required to report their earnings and submit documentation, with exceptions after reaching age 67. The bill also establishes a long-term services and supports trust commission with defined responsibilities, including proposing recommendations for program criteria and payment maximums, while emphasizing the importance of benefit adequacy and fund solvency.

Additionally, the bill introduces new regulations regarding supplemental long-term care insurance, enhancing consumer protections and establishing clearer guidelines for insurance providers. It mandates that the Department of Social and Health Services inquire about individuals' supplemental insurance and obtain consent for information sharing to improve care coordination. The legislation also sets standards for supplemental long-term care policies, including provisions on preexisting conditions and cancellation policies, while requiring insurance producers to provide coverage outlines and policy summaries. Furthermore, it outlines penalties for violations and emphasizes consumer education to ensure informed decision-making regarding long-term care insurance.

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