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Bill

Bill

SB 5479

Repealing the long-term services and supports trust program.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by John Braun and 2 co-sponsors

Bill repeals Washington's payroll-tax-funded long-term care insurance program, eliminating worker benefits and the 0.58% employee tax.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5479

Legislative bill overview

SB 5479 seeks to repeal Washington's Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Program, which was established to create a self-funded insurance benefit for workers to cover long-term care costs in their later years. The program funds itself through a 0.58% payroll tax on employees and provides up to $36,500 in lifetime benefits for qualifying long-term care services. Repealing it would eliminate both the program and the associated payroll tax.

Why is this important

The LTSS Trust Program represents a significant policy experiment in addressing long-term care financing—a major cost concern for aging populations. For workers, repeal would eliminate future long-term care insurance benefits but also stop the payroll tax deduction. For the state, it affects funding mechanisms for an aging population's healthcare needs and impacts workers who may have already contributed to the program.

Potential points of contention

  • Worker contributions already paid: Employees who paid into the program before repeal would lose accumulated benefits with no clear compensation mechanism outlined in the bill
  • Long-term care gap: Repealing the program leaves workers without a dedicated funding source for long-term care, shifting costs to individuals, families, or government safety-net programs
  • Program stability vs. implementation concerns: Supporters argue the program is unsustainable or poorly designed; opponents contend it addresses a genuine coverage gap and should be reformed rather than eliminated

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

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