An initiative to make Washington’s long-term care program, and paying the tax that funds it, voluntary for state residents failed at the polls.

About 55.4% of voters opposed Initiative 2124 while 44.6% voted for it. The measure was one of four on the statewide ballot this year. More votes will be counted until the election is certified.

The Associated Press called the outcome late on election night.

The initiative would’ve amended the WA Cares program so people could opt out of it at any time.

Currently, most workers in the state must take part in the program and pay the tax to support it. 

Making the program voluntary could’ve financially destroyed the program, according to analyses and critics of the ballot measure.

More people, especially high earners who end up paying more to support the program, would’ve likely opted out and left less money to fund the benefit. All at a time when more people are aging in Washington and need care, according to program supporters. 

The program applies a 0.58% tax on the paychecks of workers in Washington. Beginning in July 2026, those who qualify can begin accessing the program’s benefit, a lifetime amount of $36,500 — a sum that is set to rise in future years to account for inflation. The benefit can be used toward expenses like caretaking, equipment, medication and meals. 

The initiative was one of three on the ballot pushed by Let’s Go Washington, a conservative group sponsored by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood. All three measures the group put forward failed. The other two sought to repeal the state’s cap-and-trade climate law and its capital gains tax.

WA Cares has drawn criticism since it became law in 2019. 

Opponents say too many people paying the tax may never use the full benefit. Another argument against the program is that the benefit is too small to be meaningful when stacked against the potentially heavy costs of long-term care. 

Critics have also raised concerns about the fund’s finances, which some say are unsustainable and could require a higher tax in the future to keep the program solvent.

Supporters of the program, however, say it is an important piece to solving the growing need for long-term care as the state’s population ages. 

The Legislature has already made changes to the program since the tax first went into effect last year. There are more exemptions now, including for those who work in Washington but live out of state and spouses of active-duty military service members.

When the program first launched, those who paid for private long-term care insurance were able to opt out permanently, but that exemption is no longer available.

Lawmakers also most recently made the program “portable,” meaning those who leave the state to retire can still access the benefit if they paid into the fund for at least 10 years.

This story is republished from the Washington State Standard, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet that provides original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state government and politics.