Title
Approval of a Resolution Opposing Initiative No. 2124, Amending State Law to Provide that Employees and Self-Employed People Must Elect to Keep Long-term Care Coverage Under RCW 50B.04 and Could Opt-Out Any Time and to Repeal Current Law Governing Exemptions for Employees Who Had Purchased Long-term Care Insurance Before November 1, 2021
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Accept testimony from everyone who wishes to speak for or against the Initiative Measure No. 2124.
Motion if Council wishes to oppose the Initiative: Move to Adopt the Resolution Expressing City Council Opposition to Initiative No. 2124, Amending State Law to Provide that Employees and Self-Employed People Must Elect to Keep Long-term Care Coverage Under RCW 50B.04 and Could Opt-Out Any Time and to Repeal Current Law Governing Exemptions for Employees Who Had Purchased Long-term Care Insurance Before November 1, 2021.
No action is needed if Council does not wish to adopt the Resolution.
Report
Issue:
Whether to oppose Initiative No. 2124 to Washington's voters that would amend state law to provide that employees and self-employed people must elect to keep long-term care coverage under RCW 50B.04 and could opt-out any time and repeal current law governing exemptions for employees who had purchased long-term care insurance before November 1, 2021.
Staff Contact:
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager, CMO, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
Debbie Sullivan, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
In 2019, the Washington Legislature created a public long-term care insurance program that is commonly known as "WA Cares." The program provides people who meet its requirements up to $36,500 (plus increases based on inflation) to pay for certain long-term care services, such as nursing home care.
The insurance program is funded through mandatory contributions from most employees in Washington. Employers must deduct 0...
Click here for full text