LETTER: Go to the source

The TV ads that promote WA Cares leave out pertinent information and tell actual lies about it. For instance, Initiative 2124 only makes the program optional instead of its current mandatory status. Secondly, a person has to WORK several years and pay in the tax in order to collect a dime. Here are the eligibility requirements straight from the WA Cares site: 

"Each year you work at least 500 hours, you earn a qualifying year. Benefits become available in July 2026 if you need long-term care AND HAVE CONTRIBUTED:
• 3 of the last 6 years at the time you apply, or
• 10 years (without a break of 5+ years) at any point in your career. 

Near-retirees born before 1968 can earn lifetime access to a partial benefit (10% of the full amount for each year they contribute)."  

If a person ends up in a long-term care or assisted living facility the WA Cares total lifetime benefit $36,500 is just a drop in the bucket. 

If you would like further true information about WA Cares, check out their website.

Please vote FOR I-2124. 

Donna Sindelar
Moses Lake, Wash.