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Bill

HB 1026

Protecting spouses by allowing the sharing of benefits under the long-term services and supports trust program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Abbarno and 5 co-sponsors

HB 1026 permits married couples to share LTSS trust program benefits, allowing spouses to transfer unused or earned benefits to reduce long-term care expenses.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · HB 1026

Legislative bill overview

HB 1026 would allow married couples to share benefits under Washington's long-term services and supports (LTSS) trust program, enabling one spouse to transfer unused or earned benefits to their partner. Currently, trust benefits are individual accounts that cannot be pooled or shared between spouses. This bill aims to provide greater flexibility for couples managing long-term care costs.

Why is this important

Long-term care expenses (nursing homes, in-home care, assisted living) represent a significant financial burden for families, and sharing benefits between spouses could help couples stretch available resources further. This is particularly relevant as Washington's LTSS program matures and beneficiaries begin accessing care; spousal benefit-sharing could reduce out-of-pocket costs for families and potentially lower state Medicaid expenditures if couples can remain independent longer.

Potential points of contention

  • Program sustainability concerns: Allowing benefit transfers could increase total program payouts and affect the trust's long-term solvency, which depends on careful actuarial planning for a defined-benefit program.
  • Equity and fairness questions: This change benefits married couples while single individuals and unmarried partners cannot access such arrangements, raising questions about equal treatment under the program.
  • Implementation complexity: Defining transfer limits, eligibility criteria, and spousal claim procedures would require significant administrative rulemaking and could create disputes over benefit ownership and inheritance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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