Should WA Cares be Optional? The case for NO on I-2124

Soundside

This election season we’re bringing you conversations on all of the statewide initiatives on this November’s ballot.

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into I-2124, it’s the initiative that would give WA voters the option to OPT-OUT of the WA Cares long term services insurance program.

Yesterday, we talked to Elizabeth New from the WA Policy Center, who urged listeners to vote YES on I-2124.

TODAY, we’re talking to the NO side.

Gov. Inslee signed the bill that created WA Cares back in 2019. It’s a kind of “social insurance plan,” which would extend a one-time benefit of $36,500 to people who pay into the program, to help them cover the cost of long-term care.

Right now, most Washington workers pay about 58 cents into the program for every 100 dollars earned. If you make $50,000 a year, that’s about 24 dollars a month.

There was a delay in getting the payroll deduction started because of COVID, then an opt-out period, so payroll deductions for the plan didn’t actually kick in until July of last year.

The first claims for WA Cares benefits can be filed starting July 1st, 2026.

A “NO” vote on I-2124 would maintain the WA Cares program as is, without an opt-out. It also preserves the legislature’s ability to revise and improve the program.

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Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

GUEST: Cathy MacCaul is a member of Washington State’s Long-Term Services & Supports Trust Commission that helps oversee WA Cares, along with being the policy & advocacy director for AARP Washington.

RELATED LINKS:

• Washington Initiative 2124, Opt-Out of Long-Term Services Insurance Program Initiative (2024) - Ballotpedia
• No On I-2124
• Vote ‘no’ on I-2124 and keep WA Cares participation mandatory | The Seattle Times
• Editorial: Opt-out of WA Cares would cost most more later | HeraldNet.com

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