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Also known as "SPLTCI" (Supplemental Private Long-Term Care Insurance), this is a new type of coverage intended to provide LTC benefits after your WA Cares benefit runs out.
Most people supplement their other earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare by saving in a 401(k) or IRA, or by purchasing a MediGap plan.
SPLTCI was built similarly for those wishing greater protection than the limited public benefit.
SPLTCI includes a monetary deductible, but instead of paying it out-of-pocket, your WA Cares fund benefit satisfies it (special rules for those born before 1968).
SPLTCI is modeled on traditional LTC insurance, but unique to Washington and covered by its own rules and regulations.
Key innovations of Supplemental LTCI include:
Applying WA Cares funds toward the deductible
Guaranteeing continued coverage of qualified family members providing approved services;
Introducing a consumer-first Best Interest standard unique to Washington
To help provide you a clear overview of how these plans work, the Washington Insurance Department created a new guide.
The guide explains who can buy a policy, what it covers, when benefits start, and what to think about before you make a decision.
The latest version of the Supplemental Long-Term Care Consumer Guide can always be found here.
On an apples-to-apples basis, Supplemental LTC insurance is expected to cost less than equivalent traditional LTC insurance.
Both can have elimination ("waiting") periods, but SPLTCI always includes a deductible-- the WA Cares benefit of $36,500 (indexed).
Like other insurance, Supplemental insurance is something you apply for directly with the insurer.
