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State Policy·WA·July 10, 2026
Washington State Launches First Public Long-Term Care Benefit Program
Washington state has implemented the nation's first public long-term care insurance program, providing benefits to help cover home care and other long-term services and supports. The program offers a benefit to eligible residents who need assistance with activities of daily living. Several other states are monitoring Washington's implementation as they consider similar programs. This represents a significant shift in how long-term care services may be financed outside of traditional Medicaid LTSS programs.
Why it matters
Washington's public LTSS benefit program could reduce Medicaid spend-down enrollment and shift the mix of services covered under managed care contracts if similar programs expand to other states.
LTSS · Long-Term Care
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