I-2124 would make the long-term care program unsustainable, denying many needed funds later in life.

By The Herald Editorial Board

For a little more than a year now, most of us have being paying into WA Cares, a social insurance program — similar to how Social Security works — that makes a modest payroll deduction in exchange for eligibility for a benefit that can provide for some of a person’s long-term care needs later in life.

The program was created by state legislation in 2019, intended to supplement what families’ income, savings and insurance can provide when long-term services and supports are needed for older or disabled state residents.

Most of us will need that help.

A federal Department of Health and Human Services report determined in 2022 that “on average an American turning 65 … will incur $120,900 in future (long-term services and supports) costs, measured in today’s dollars.” And nearly 40 percent of those costs will be paid out-of-pocket by individuals or, often, by their families.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-opt-out-of-wa-cares-would-cost-most-more-later/