Now, there’s an opportunity to make WA Cares optional through Initiative 2124, which would give all workers the choice to opt out of this costly and inefficient program.

Friends, Washington State’s long-term-care program, WA Cares, has been mandatory since July 2023—taking 58 cents out of every $100 you earn. But many workers will never see the benefit of this significant payroll tax. Now, there’s an opportunity to make WA Cares optional through Initiative 2124, which would give all workers the choice to opt out of this costly and inefficient program. The Washington Policy Center has put together a Citizen’s Guide to Initiative 2124, highlighting the key facts: WA Cares offers a lifetime benefit of up to $36,500, but for many people, that’s not enough to cover long-term care needs. You must pay into the program for 10 years without a significant break, or you won’t qualify—leaving many workers who shift in and out of the workforce, such as moms who take time off from work, caregivers or parents, paying taxes for no return. WA Cares already faces solvency issues, which may lead to higher taxes or reduced benefits in the future. Nearly 500,000 workers opted out when given the chance because private long-term-care insurance often offers better options. WA Cares is not the "peace of mind" it’s being marketed as. It’s another government program that forces workers to pay for something they may never benefit from. Initiative 2124 allows you to decide what’s best for your financial future. Download our full guide today to learn more about Initiative 2124 and what it means for Washington workers. >>>Download the Citizen’s Guide to Initiative 2124 Now<<< Best regards, David Boze Communications Director Washington Policy Center