Marcos Worku was a nurse when he experienced a stroke at age 47. He suffered brain damage and mobility loss in his hands and legs. He recuperated in a nursing home for five years, slowly regaining his strength. He’s finally able to live independently again, but he needs a little help. His home care aide comes by a few hours each week to make meals and help around the house. A new ramp out front helps him come and go with his walker.
The WA Cares program will help countless Washingtonians like Marcos. Seven in 10 of us will need care at some point in our lives. And now, the benefit is portable. You can still participate if you move out of state.
“Washington is a state that cares for people. We lead the nation on worker protections, paid leave, and now long-term care insurance,” said Gov. Jay Inslee. “WA Cares is there for people when they start to need help with daily functions. And now that we’ve approved portability, your benefits are there for you even if you’re not here in Washington anymore. This is a great program made better this session.”