If you or someone you love needs help with everyday tasks, you are not alone.
Many adults delay help until they’re in crisis. Across our counties, more than 41,000 adults aged 18 and up struggle with everyday tasks due to ongoing health conditions. Early support prevents emergencies and strengthens independence as a choice.
New help for long-term care arrives early to three Western Washington counties. Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA) will help provide key support for a WA Cares Fund pilot as a trusted local resource in aging well.
What to Know
Starting in January 2026, a small group of people who live in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties can apply early for access to $36,500 in long-term care benefits. The pilot provides early access to WA Cares benefits before they become available statewide in July 2026. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
WA Cares is designed to help you age independently in your own home. Covered services include paid care from a loved one (including your spouse), in-home care from a professional, adaptive equipment and technology, home-delivered meals, home safety modifications, and more. The benefits can also be used for services and supports in your community or in a facility.
We’re encouraging residents who are interested in the pilot to reach out now. Calling does not guarantee participation but ensures timely guidance.
How to Get Started
- Call WA Cares at 844-CARE4WA (844-227-3492)
- Visit wacaresfund.wa.gov/pilot
Local Area Agency on Aging staff can provide extra support in understanding WA Cares. They can also help residents explore additional ways to pay for long-term care.
- Local support in Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties: 360-664-2168, option 2
WA Cares is Washington’s public long-term care insurance program. Workers contribute 0.58% of each paycheck. Most of us will need long-term care to help with daily activities like bathing, eating, moving around and managing medication, but won’t have a way to pay for it.
Key Pilot Facts
- Who: Residents of Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties. The pilot is also open to residents of Spokane County in eastern Washington.
- What: Earned benefits up to $36,500 to use on long-term care supports and services of your choice.
- When: Applications accepted Jan. 6 through Feb. 28, 2026. Call now to get started.
- Eligibility basics: Must meet contribution and care needs requirements.
- Service examples: Paid care from a loved one, including your spouse, education and consultation to help manage your care, adaptive equipment and technology, home-delivered meals and more.
Discover Tools to Age Well at Your Local Library
Timberland Regional Library can support you in learning more about aging well. Flyers featuring WA Cares pilot details can be found at all county branches. If eligible for the pilot, you can use library computers to apply for WA Cares online when pilot applications open in January.
If you need additional WA Cares support, you can reach us here at Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging by dialing 360-664-2168 and selecting option 2.
Library staff can also help you find books, online resources, and local programs about longevity, caregiving, and senior health in general. Start by checking out some of our recommendations in the list below!
Longevity, caregiving and senior health recommendations from our partners at Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging.
