4-17-2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state Senate has approved a proposal for a new employee-funded program that would create a benefit to help offset long-term care costs.
Under the measure, premiums of just over half of one percent of wages would start being collected from employees in 2022.
Employers would not be required to pay into the program.
By 2025, the program would go into effect, meaning people who need assistance with at least three “activities of daily living” such as bathing, dressing or administration of medication, could receive money to pay for services like in-home care, a wheelchair ramp or rides to the doctor.
Senator Doug Ericksen introduced an amendment that would allow people who don’t use long-term care to receive a refund of their money, but the amendment was later withdrawn.
He and House Republican Luanne Van Werven voted against the bill, while all local Democrats (Sen. Liz Lovelett, Rep. Sharon Shewmake, Rep. Debra Lekanoff, and Rep. Jeff Morris) voted in favor.