Last November, Washingtonians voted to protect our long-term care program, and soon, 4 million Washingtonians will be able to tap their benefits should they need them. The Legislature should rise to the occasion and pass Senate Bill 5291 to continue strengthening our long-term care program and ensure it fits the needs of our state’s residents.
One of the most important aspects of SB 5291 is that it allows workers in Washington to opt back into the program. Thousands of workers who have previously opted out have asked for this option as they now better understand the benefits of the program. They’ve done the math and have realized how big the return on investment is. They might also have seen that the program’s benefits are now portable, so they can keep their benefits even if they move out of state.
There’s no reason to prevent these folks from opting back in.
Passing SB 5291 is just good sense. I hope Sen. June Robinson and Reps. Mary Fosse and Julio Cortes will advance this legislation and pass it this session.
Paula Townsell
Everett
Editor’s note: The legislation has passed both Senate and House.
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