WA Cares hosts webinar on long-term care planning for near-retirees Aug. 31
Contact: Norah West, DSHS Communications, 360–489–5587
OLYMPIA — From 2–3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, the WA Cares Fund will host a panel discussion via Zoom on long-term care planning for near-retirees. The conversation will cover what you think you can do today to make sure you’re prepared for future care needs and how near-retirees will benefit from recent changes to WA Cares.
Long-term care is a predictable cost — 70% of us will need it at some point in our lives. However, most households nearing retirement don’t have enough savings to pay for long-term care on top of their usual living expenses. Washington seniors’ median household income is just $56,000 and half have no 401(k) or pension income.
Long-term care services include help with things like medication management, personal hygiene, getting in or out of bed, using the restroom, dressing and more. These services can be expensive, and many people don’t realize they aren’t covered by Medicare and Medigap (except in rare circumstances) and that Medicaid only covers them once all other assets have been depleted.
Having a plan for where and how you’ll receive care when you need it is important, and there are many things to consider beyond your finances.
The Aug. 31 panel will include:
- Laura Cepoi, Executive Director, Olympic Area Agency on Aging.
- Cathy MacCaul, Advocacy Director, AARP Washington.
- Ben Veghte, Director, WA Cares Fund.
Panelists will provide an overview of areas you should consider when planning for long-term care, followed by a discussion and audience Q&A. We encourage all to come with their questions ready.
Full login information is available here:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Or One tap mobile: US: +12532158782,,89734009743# or +16694449171,,89734009743#
Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 719 359 4580 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 386 347 5053 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 646 931 3860
Webinar ID: 897 3400 9743
Live captions will be available.
About WA Cares
WA Cares Fund is a first-in-the-nation universal long-term care insurance program that provides working Washingtonians with access to affordable long-term care. By paying a small premium while working (just 0.58% of wages, or $0.58 per $100 earned), Washington’s workers will earn a $36,500 benefit that can be used for a variety of long-term care services, including paid caregiving from a professional or loved one, home modifications, meal delivery and more.
To learn more about WA Cares, call 844-CARE4WA, email staff via the contact form or visit www.wacaresfund.wa.gov.
WA Cares: Let’s be the state where we all age with grace.