Blog Posts

Many employees spend years preparing for retirement. They contribute to 401(k) plans, build emergency savings, and carefully plan future income. Yet one of the largest potential expenses in retirement often receives surprisingly little attention: long-term care. Unlike many financial risks, long-term care costs are difficult to predict.

Employee benefits have always evolved alongside workforce needs. Retirement plans became commonplace as life expectancy increased. Wellness programs emerged as employers recognized the value of prevention. Financial wellness initiatives expanded as organizations looked beyond traditional compensation to support employees' long-term security. Long-term care is following a similar path.

WA Cares did more than create America’s first publicly funded long-term care insurance program. It changed the marketplace for long-term care planning. It did so by creating something that never existed before—a broad foundation upon which a new generation of private supplemental long-term care products could be built.

From an employee perspective, WA Cares is a starting point—not a full plan. What I’m hearing more often: “I’m glad I have something… but I don’t think it’s enough.”

The gap between WA Cares and real long term care costs can be significant. Learn more about supplementing with SPLTCI.