Early election results show voters reject WA Cares Initiative 2124

STATE OF WASHINGTON – Preliminary election results show that 55.49% of Washington voters oppose Initiative 2124, while 44.51% support the initiative.

I-2124 would amend the Washington Cares Act and allow workers and self-employed people to opt out of the federal long-term care program.

The measure would also repeal a law providing an exemption for workers. This measure would reduce funding for Washington's public insurance program to provide long-term care benefits and services.

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It is unknown how many current and future workers will choose to continue participating in the program. Therefore, the overall impact on revenue and program costs, including the amount for payment of future benefits, is undetermined.

If voters approve Initiative 2124, the state will incur additional costs due to administrative costs. According to the Washington Office of the Secretary of State, estimated spending for the first three state budget years combined ranges from $12,623,250 to $31,215,960.

“Government revenues are believed to be declining because workers are opting out of the program and no longer paying premiums,” the secretary of state’s Washington office wrote. “It is unknown how many current and future workers will choose to continue participating in the program. Therefore, the overall impact on revenue and program costs, including the level of payment of future benefits, is undetermined. There are no known financial impacts on local government.”

Workers who are not exempt from the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) program will continue to pay premiums unless and until they specifically opt out of the program, according to the Washington Office of the Secretary of State

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If approved, the terms of the initiative will apply prospectively and not retroactively.

If approved by voters, the initiative would take effect on December 5th.