You are probably aware that Washington implemented WA Cares, the first mandatory state long-term care (LTC) program, in 2021. As a reminder, it is funded by a payroll tax on Washington workers' gross wages, without a cap on their contribution to the program. The lifetime LTC benefit amount is currently $36,500 and it may be indexed for inflation. Those who purchased a qualified long-term care product prior to November 1, 2021 were able to request a lifetime exemption from WA Cares and its payroll tax. The one-time exemption window is closed and Washington workers can no longer opt out of WA Ca...