On Oct. 1, the state of Washington launched a process through which clients can opt out of WA Cares Fund coverage. The exemption is available to workers who have Washington income and who either hold existing long-term care insurance or purchase a new private policy before Nov. 1, 2021.
Washington has created a one-page instruction guide to request the exemption. There are several steps to this process, so follow the directions closely. You will need to log in to an existing SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account, or create one as outlined in the guide.
Important points to be aware regarding applying for the exemption:
- Clients must apply for the WA Cares Fund coverage exemption by Dec. 31, 2022.
- Exemptions will take effect the quarter after your application is approved. While you have until the end of 2022 to apply for the exemption, you should apply as soon as possible to avoid potentially paying any non-refundable WA Cares premiums
- There is no documentation that you or your insurance carrier need to provide to apply for the exemption; you simply attest to several statements.
If your application is approved, you’ll get an approval letter from the Employment Security Department (ESD), at which point you’ll be:
- Expelled from the program with no option to re-enroll.
- Disqualified from accessing WA Cares benefits in your lifetime.
- Required to present your exemption approval letter to all current and future employers. If you fail to present your ESD approval letter, employers will withhold non-refundable WA Cares premiums.
This information is not meant to provide guidance or promises around whether someone can qualify for the exemption. That decision rests with the State of Washington.