Who: Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, prime sponsor of the Long-Term Care Trust Act (HB 1087)
What: Public hearing in the House Health Care & Wellness committee
When: Wednesday, January 16, at 1:30 p.m.
Where: House Hearing Room A, John L. O’Brien Building
Why: The Long-Term Care Trust Act addresses a looming issue facing Washington state: helping families prepare financially for long-term care costs and protecting the State from ballooning Medicaid costs. Seven out of 10 people age 65 and over will need long-term care services or supports, but the vast majority – 90 percent – have no savings to pay for this care. Meanwhile, there are approximately 850,000 unpaid family caregivers in Washington state – a number that is not demographically sustainable. The bill creates a long-term care insurance program for Washington workers.
The Long-Term Care Trust Act has bipartisan support. Family caregivers, aging and disability advocates, small business owners, long-term care providers, labor unions, and consumer rights organizations will testify in favor of it. Rep. Jinkins will be available to speak to the media about the proposal outside House Hearing Room A immediately after the committee hearing concludes. Joining her will be Doug Shadel, AARP State Director, and Peter Newbould, Alzheimer’s Association Public Policy Manager.