A new report has great news for more than 79,000 workers in the Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Mill Creek, and Everett area who will soon be building up WA Cares benefits. WA Cares will enable us to stay in our own homes with paid home care when we have Dementia, Cancer, other illnesses or injuries.
The analysis comes from We Care For Cares, a coalition of consumer advocates including AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, Lupus Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.
In our area, WA Cares will benefit an estimated 79,210 workers, including:
- 64,420 younger workers (20-54)
- 14,790 older workers (55-64)
- 25,220 Black, Indigenous and workers of color
- 17,820 part-time workers
- 6,790 gig workers
Moxie Kinnamon of Lake Stevens shared: “When my wife had brain cancer at 30, I left my job to care for her and our young son. It would have been a huge relief to have someone help me, or even to pay for my time since I lost my paycheck. I’m glad WA Cares will be there to help others.”
Dr. Charles Mayer.
WA covers 57,000 people under age 65 in our area who likely have pre-existing conditions
Private long term care insurance companies frequently deny coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. WA Cares covers all workers, including those with pre-existing conditions.
Even if we can afford and qualify for a private long term care insurance policy ($2,000-$7,000/year), we must continue paying premiums even after retirement.
With WA Cares, we pay in just while we’re working, and the benefits are always there for us
WA Cares will provide $36,500 (grows with inflation) to help pay someone when we need help with tasks like dressing, bathing, making meals and getting around as a result of an injury, illness, disease or the normal challenges that can come with aging.
WA Cares covers working people near retirement.
Nearly 20,000 people in our community are unpaid family caregivers
Frequently, women, and Black, Indigenous and people of color become unpaid family caregivers. When they leave their jobs to care for others, it drains household income and worsens the labor shortage.
WA Cares is good for jobs and our economy
A dollar in WA Cares spending on home repair, home care, or medical supplier generates another $1.50 in economic benefits and supports jobs in our communities.
Thanks to the support of Senator John Lovick and Representatives Brandy Donaghy and April Berg, WA Cares will give us the choice of staying in our homes when we need care.
We Cares for WA Cares is a coalition of consumer advocates including AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, Lupus Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physicians for Social Responsibility.
