Reps. Peter Abbarno and Joe Schmick pre-file bills to fix shortcomings in WA Cares Program

Reps. Peter Abbarno and Joe Schmick pre-file bills to reform the WA Cares Program, addressing long-term care payroll tax concerns and improving fairness for Washington workers. — Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax

House Bill 1025 would reopen the opt-out exemption for workers with private long-term care insurance, and House Bill 1026 would allow spouses to share benefits under the state’s Washington Cares program

Responding to growing frustration over the long-term care payroll tax program, Reps. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, have pre-filed two bills to provide fairness and flexibility for Washington workers and families. House Bill 1025 would reopen the opt-out exemption for workers with private long-term care insurance, and House Bill 1026 would allow spouses to share benefits under the state’s Washington Cares program.

Under the current Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Program (WA Cares Fund), Washington workers pay 0.58% of their wages for a maximum long-term care benefit of $36,500. However, the program has faced opposition due to its inadequate benefits, lack of portability, and rigid structure.

“The long-term care payroll tax program has placed an unnecessary financial burden on workers and families across Washington state,” said Abbarno, House Republican Caucus Chair. “These bills are practical solutions that restore fairness, flexibility, and relief to families left struggling under this deeply flawed system.”

House Bill 1025 would allow workers who purchased private long-term care insurance before November 2027 to opt out of WA Cares. The current opt-out window closed in 2022, leaving many workers unable to explore alternatives or avoid the tax.

“The rushed and confusing rollout of the opt-out process left workers behind,” added Abbarno. “An unnecessarily narrow timeline punished families who acted responsibly to plan for their long-term care needs. By reopening the exemption, we’re giving them another opportunity to make the right choice for their needs instead of being forced into an inadequate, one-size-fits-all program.”

Rep. Joe Schmick, ranking Republican on the House Health Care and Wellness Committee, highlighted the overwhelming demand during the original exemption period and the need for better communication.

“The original timeline for applying for an exemption to the state’s long-term care law was far too short. Getting word out to individuals in a timely manner was difficult, and insurance agents were overwhelmed,” said Schmick. “More recently, with Initiative 2124 on the ballot in November, there was confusion and consternation for those who hadn’t yet purchased private insurance or applied for an exemption. Extending this deadline is the right thing to do. It will give citizens more time to do their research and find what kind of long-term insurance works best for their individual needs.”

House Bill 1026 would allow workers to transfer their earned WA Cares benefits to a spouse needing long-term care. Under current law, benefits cannot be shared, even within households where one spouse has significant long-term care needs.

“Families make long-term care decisions together, yet the current system treats them as if they’re planning alone,” said Abbarno. “This bill fixes that by allowing spouses to share benefits-something that aligns with how families plan for their future. It’s a small change that would make a big difference for many families.”

Schmick called the measure a common-sense way to ensure workers get the most out of the benefits they’ve earned.

“Many employee benefits are transferable to spouses in certain circumstances,” said Schmick. “We want to make sure that spouses are protected and have access to earned benefits. If the goal of the Washington Cares Fund is to assist with long-term care costs, we should pass this bill and give employees and spouses more options.”

The 2025 legislative session begins on Jan. 13.

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov