Long Term Care

Washington Cares Fund (effective 1/1/2022)

Effective January 1, 2022 the new Washington Cares Fund (formerly known as the WA Long-Term Care Act) will go into effect and result in a new payroll tax for all W-2 eligible employees in the state of Washington. This tax will be used to establish a pool to fund a long-term care benefit for Washingtonians who meet all eligibility requirements as spelled out by the law. There is a provision for employees to apply for a one-time exemption to opt out of paying the tax if they have a pre-existing qualified long-term care plan in effect by November 1, 2021. 

Trustmark LTC Benefit Available (enrollment 6/1/21 - 6/17/21)

Due to this opt out provision and considering some of the limitations of the new law (e.g., benefit is not portable outside of the state) Seattle University has partnered with Trustmark, a respected and highly rated insurer, to offer an opportunity for Seattle University employees to enroll in a personal long-term care (LTC) plan. Enrollment in this plan would allow SU employees to apply for an exemption from the new payroll tax with the state. We encourage all current benefits eligible employees to research the Washington Cares Act and the Trustmark plan to determine which makes the most sense for your long-term care needs.

Benefit-eligible faculty and staff will have the opportunity to enroll in the Trustmark LTC + Life Insurance benefit during a special enrollment period held June 1–June 17, 2021. During the enrollment period you will receive additional information to help aid in your decision as well as access to a portal if you choose to enroll in the Trustmark long-term care plan.