Washington set to be first state with long-term care benefit
OLYMPIA (AP) — Washington is poised to become the first state to establish an employee-paid program creating an insurance benefit to help offset the costs of long-term care, a step advocates say will help an aging population that is likely not prepared for the increasing costs needed for daily assistance.
The measure creates a benefit for those who pay into the program, with a lifetime maximum of $36,500 per person, indexed to inflation, paid for by an employee payroll premium. It has cleared both the House and the Senate, but because the Senate made several changes before passing it earlier this week, the measure now heads back to the House for a final vote.
According to AARP of Washington, 70% of residents 65 and older will require some type of assistance to live independently.
Only an estimated 7 million to 8 million Americans have private long-term care insurance, which is costly and generally requires applicants to pass a health screening.
Read more: https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2019/04/18/washington-set-first-state-long-term-care-benefit/3513707002/