The WA Cares Fund allows residents to contribute to their potential long-term care needs, making it more accessible. However, many Washington residents may wonder what happens to their benefits if they retire, relocate, or take a new job in another state.
Thankfully, the rules have recently changed, allowing qualifying residents to take their benefits with them. Beginning in July 2026, certain workers may be able to continue participating after they move out of Washington, with benefits being accessible beginning July 2030.
Below, we’ll cover how WA Cares benefits will work for out-of-state residents and what you need to know to maintain your coverage.
Quick Overview: What Is WA Cares?
WA Cares is Washington state’s long-term care insurance policy. It is funded through a mandatory 0.58% payroll tax from all W-2 workers in the state, though you can opt out if desired.
Eligible WA Cares participants may access up to $36,500 in lifetime long-term care benefits, which will be adjusted over time for inflation.
Traditional health insurance policies do not cover the cost of long-term care needs, which is where WA Cares comes in. It provides financial assistance to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible residents.
What Happens If You Move Out of Washington?
Moving out of Washington doesn’t automatically mean that you can use your benefits in another state.
Beginning in July 2026, you have to meet certain requirements to continue participating as out-of-state residents. When you move, you have to opt in to WA Cares. It won’t automatically come with you.
WA Cares Portability Rules
To become an out-of-state participant in WA Cares, you have to meet the following criteria.
- You must have contributed to WA Cares for at least three years prior to moving.
- You must have worked at least 500 hours per year during those years.
- You must opt in to WA Cares within one year of leaving the state.
Former Washington residents will begin to have access to their eligible WA Cares benefits as soon as July 2030. WA Cares works in conjunction with Washington’s Long-term Care Partnership Program to make LTC more accessible to residents.
Do You Still Have to Contribute After Moving?
If you plan to take advantage of WA Cares benefits after you no longer live in Washington, you must keep contributing to the fund during your working years.
This is an important detail to remember. It applies to people who are moving for work, retiring early, becoming self-employed, or relocating before you qualify for benefits.
You will follow the same process to contribute after you move, and you must file a wage report every year to ensure you have worked at least 500 contributing hours.
When Can Out-of-State Participants Use Benefits?
As of July 2026, WA Cares benefits are now available for eligible Washington residents once they qualify for care. In order for those benefits to trigger, you must be unable to independently perform at least two out of the six activities of daily living, including:
- Eating
- Toileting
- Transferring
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Continence
Out-of-state participants who are continuing their WA Cares coverage can begin accessing their benefits outside of Washington beginning in July 2030. You must continue to contribute and have no active WA Cares exemptions in the interim in order to qualify in 2023.
What If You Stop Participating?
If you move out of the state, you can stop participating if you don’t opt in or don’t meet the portability requirements. If that happens, you may lose access to future benefits.
Additionally, while you can’t proactively cancel your coverage, if you don’t pay the premiums or report wages, your coverage will be voided. If your coverage is canceled, you will be unable to access your WA Cares benefits.
If you don’t want to risk losing your WA Cares coverage, you must confirm your program status before moving, retiring, or changing employment.
How Moving Affects Eligibility and Contributions
If you have already paid into your WA Cares Fund or you simply want to keep the option available, it’s important to understand how moving can affect your overall eligibility and contributions. Below are common scenarios and how they impact your WA Cares benefits.
- Moving out of state before meeting contribution requirements: If you did not meet the 3-year minimum contribution mark, you cannot continue your coverage if you move. Whatever funds you paid in will not be accessible.
- Moving after contributing for several years: If you contributed for at least three years, you can opt in to continue your coverage. You must continue to pay the premiums and meet all eligibility requirements.
- Retiring outside Washington: If you are fully retired and have contributed at least 10 years (and five consecutive years), you should be able to access your WA Cares benefits.
- Working remotely for a Washington employer from another state: If you have never worked within the physical state of Washington, you should not have automatically contributed to WA Cares. You would not have access to benefits unless you previously worked in Washington and contributed to the fund for at least three years.
- Becoming self-employed after leaving Washington: Self-employed individuals are exempt from WA Cares; however, you can opt in after starting your business.
- Planning to move back to Washington later: You can continue your coverage and make contributions to the fund, pause your contributions, or start contributing again when you move back to the state.
Each individual’s situation is different, so if you have questions about how your residency and working status will impact your ability to access your WA Cares benefits, reach out to a professional for help.
Why WA Cares May Not Be Enough by Itself
WA Cares can provide helpful support. However, the benefit amount may only cover a portion of your long-term care costs.
The annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is nearly $130,000, while residing in an assisted living community could cost you nearly $75,000. That cost is only expected to increase to keep pace with inflation.
You may need a supplemental or private long-term care insurance plan to help close the gap. These policies help provide you with:
- Flexibility, allowing you to choose the type of care you want.
- Higher benefit amounts, covering more services at higher rates to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Coverage planning across multiple states – you aren’t restricted in where you can receive care.
WA Cares is a good start, but it may not be enough to cover your long-term care needs.
Questions to Ask Before Moving Out of Washington
Before moving out of Washington, you need to consider all your options, especially if the WA Cares Fund was part of your retirement planning.
Here are a few questions you should be able to answer prior to relocating.
- Have I contributed to WA Cares for at least three qualifying years?
- Did I work at least 500 hours in each qualifying year?
- Do I need to opt in within one year of leaving Washington?
- Will I still be working and contributing after I move?
- When would I be able to access benefits outside Washington?
- Do I need supplemental LTC insurance to fill potential gaps?
If you don’t have all the answers now, have a plan to get them, including consulting with a long-term care insurance professional.
Talk Through Your Options With Raymond Lavine
Raymond Lavine of Lavine LTC Benefits has nearly two decades of experience helping people navigate the complexities of long-term care insurance in Washington State and obtain policies that work for their care needs and personal financial situation.
He can help Washington residents, retirees, and people planning to move out of state understand how WA Cares fits into their broader long-term care plan and compare supplemental or private coverage options to help you afford care if WA Cares is not enough.
Whether you’re looking to purchase a policy immediately or simply ask questions, Raymond has you covered. Schedule a conversation today to get started.
Conclusion
WA Cares is a state-based program that helps Washington residents afford care. It is funded with mandatory payroll taxes. Previously, these benefits were only available to residents. However, they may be portable for certain workers beginning in July 2026.
You must meet the program’s requirements, deadlines, and continued contribution rules in order to qualify. Anyone who is planning to leave Washington should review their eligibility carefully and consider if the WA Cares benefits are enough to cover the cost of their care.
Private long-term care coverage may be needed to help provide stronger protection. It reduces the out-of-pocket costs significantly. Contact Lavine LTC Benefits today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WA Cares Fund?
The WA Cares Fund is a program in the state of Washington that helps fund long-term care needs for eligible residents. It is funded by a mandatory payroll tax, and all W2 workers in Washington should qualify.
Can I Use WA Cares Benefits Out of State?
Beginning in July 2026, individuals who move out of Washington may still be able to carry over their WA Cares benefits. To qualify, you must have contributed for at least three years and opt in within a year of relocating. Access to benefits will be available in July 2030.
Can I Use Long-term Care Insurance With WA Cares?
WA Cares offers a maximum benefit of $36,500, which will be adjusted for inflation. Your long-term care needs may quickly exceed that amount, so it may be a good idea to secure LTC coverage to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.