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Bill

HB 1578

Repealing the long-term care services and supports trust program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremie Dufault

HB 1578 repeals Washington's long-term care trust program, eliminating a payroll-tax-funded social insurance system providing long-term care benefits to workers.

First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.
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Bill Summary · HB 1578

Legislative bill overview

HB 1578 would repeal Washington's long-term care services and supports trust program, which was established to provide funding for long-term care services through a dedicated payroll tax (0.58% on employees). The bill eliminates the entire program structure, including the trust fund and associated benefit provisions that were designed to help workers afford future long-term care needs.

Why is this important

Washington's long-term care trust program represents one of the first state-level social insurance programs of its kind in the nation, funded through mandatory payroll contributions. Repealing it would affect hundreds of thousands of workers who have been paying into the system since 2023, eliminate promised future benefits for eligible individuals, and raise questions about what happens to accumulated trust funds and contributions already collected.

Potential points of contention

  • Sunk costs and fairness: Workers have already paid into the system; repealing it raises questions about refunds, benefit claims already accrued, or fund disposition
  • Long-term care crisis: Repealing removes a dedicated funding mechanism for long-term care services at a time when aging populations increase demand for such services
  • Program viability concerns: Supporters may argue the program is fiscally unsustainable, while opponents contend it addresses a genuine coverage gap in the healthcare system

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

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