A new report has great news for more than 77,000 workers in the Kirkland, Sammamish, Bellevue, Redmond areas who will soon be building up WA Cares benefits. WA Cares will enable us to stay in our own homes with paid home care when we have Dementia, Cancer, and other illnesses or injuries.

The new analysis comes from We Care For Cares, a coalition of consumer and patient advocates including AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, Lupus Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.

In our area, WA Cares will directly benefit an estimated 77,280 workers, including:

● 63,350 younger workers (20-54)

● 13,930 older workers (55-64)

● 28,010 Black, Indigenous and workers of color

● 17,260 part-time workers

● 8,150 gig workers

Cathy MacCaul with AARP of Washington says, “Let’s face the facts: 70% of us will need help with meals, moving around, or using the bathroom at some point in our lives. Long-term care is not just for seniors. 40% of us needing assistance with daily living activities are under 65. I’m glad I’ll have WA Cares to tap into to pay for home modifications and someone to help with meals when I need it, so I can stay in my own home as long as possible.”

WA Cares covers 56,060 under age 65 in our area who likely have pre-existing conditions

Private long term care insurance companies frequently deny coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer.

Even if we can afford and qualify for a private long term care insurance policy ($2,000-$7,000/year), we must continue paying premiums even after retirement.

With WA Cares, we pay in just while we’re working, and the benefits are always there for us

WA Cares will provide $36,500 (grows with inflation) to help pay someone when we need help with tasks like dressing, bathing, making meals and getting around as a result of an injury, illness, disease or the normal challenges that can come with aging.

There are nearly 20,000 unpaid caregivers in our area

Frequently, women, and Black, Indigenous and people of color become unpaid family caregivers – those less likely to have enough savings to pay for care. When they leave their job to care for others, that drains household income and worsens the labor shortage.

WA Cares is good for jobs and our economy

A dollar in WA Cares spending on home repair, home care, or medical supplier generates another $1.50 in economic benefits and supports jobs in our communities.

Thanks to the support of our state representatives Roger Goodman, Larry Springer, and Senator Manka Dhingra WA Cares will give us the choice of staying in our homes when we need care.

We Cares for WA Cares is a coalition of consumer advocates including AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, Lupus Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.