NAIFA-WA is urging changes to a long-term services bill, HB 1323, to protect employees who have purchased long-term care coverage.

The bill would have required employees to have purchased long-term care coverage prior to July 28, 2019, to opt out of payroll taxes and the the state's Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Trust Program.

In response to testimony by NAIFA, the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), and individual licensed insurance producers, Rep. Joe Schmick (R) introduced an amendment to remove the purchase deadline requirement. Unfortunately, the Schmick amendment failed to pass a House Health Care & Wellness Committee vote. However, an amendment by Rep. Steve Tharinger (D) passed a committee vote and would change the opt-out provision so the private insurance purchase deadline would be HB 1323's enactment date (approximately July 24, 2021) rather than July 28, 2019.

The bill has an unknown trajectory, as it still needs to pass through other committees (Rules and/or Appropriations) before it can go to the House floor for a vote. NAIFA-WA is engaging grassroots, testifying, and making contact with legislators to ensure long-term care coverage remains secure.