Long-term care tax unfair to older workers

I was informed that I will be paying 58 cents for every $100 earned on my paycheck to fund the Washington State Long-Term Services and Supports Trust. The burn is that I am 67 years old. Although still employed, I project that I will retire before I meet the minimum time requirements to qualify for the long-term services to paid for through a premium which is slyly called a “tax.”

I do not recall a vote by the people for this tax, which will entitle a person to, at best, get approximately three to six months of long-term care at a marginal nursing facility in our state. I am now too old to get a reasonably priced alternate care, didn’t have a choice in plans and am angry I’m forced to, yet again, carry the world on my middle-class back.

I feel nickel-and-dimed on this one and resent those who thought this one up. I am confident I am not alone in my dissatisfaction with this tax which I most certainly shall never benefit from. Had there been provisions for those who are nearing the end of their gainful employment, it might have gone down a little sweeter.

Susan Springer

Arlington

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