Debate Heats Up Over WA Cares: Initiative 2124 Sparks Controversy and Legal Questions

Washington’s WA Cares Program Faces Scrutiny Amidst Debate Over Opt-Out Initiative

Critics Question Adequacy of WA Cares Benefits as Initiative 2124 Offers Opt-Out Option

According to The Center Square since Washington State rolled out the WA Cares program most working folks have been chipping into it from their paychecks for about nine months. But now there’s talk about a new initiative I-2124 which might give workers the choice to skip those deductions. People are concerned that the program’s top benefit of $36,500 which won’t kick in until July 2026 might not be enough to cover their long-term care needs. Some also worry that if they move out of state they won’t be able to take their benefits with them.

Representative Peter Abbarno a Republican from Centralia feels that during the 2024 legislative session, the Democrats didn’t pay enough attention to concerns about the WA Cares program. He thinks people must have the freedom to decide if they want to be part of it or not. Abbarno thinks the program isn’t a good deal because it costs too much compared to what it offers. He also questions what might happen to the money people have already paid into the program if they opt-out.

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Debate Heats Up Over WA Cares: Initiative 2124 Sparks Controversy and Legal Questions (PHOTO: STOCK)

Legal Concerns Arise Over WA Cares Program Amidst Debate Over Opt-Out Initiative

Abbarno also brings up a tricky issue related to Washington’s community property laws. He’s worried about what happens if one spouse pays into the program but the other one needs long-term care. And if I-2124 passes he thinks the state might hold onto the money already paid in which could cause some legal battles down the line. So while the future of WA Cares remains uncertain it seems like there’s still a lot to figure out about how it all works.

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