‘It’s important to have that safety net’: WA Care long-term care benefits begin for those who are eligible

A tote bag hangs Tuesday at home care aide Vicki Bickford’s home in Vancouver. Bickford has dedicated the past 15 years to assisting disabled Clark County residents with such tasks as getting to school, walking, cleaning and eating.

Home care aide Vicki Bickford sits on her bed for a portrait with her cat Binker on Tuesday at her home in Vancouver. Bickford and other advocates say WA Cares, a first-in-the-nation public long-term care benefit, fills a gap in long-term care not covered by Medicare or other forms of health insurance. The benefit also is available to pay family members to be caregivers. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

In-home care aide Vicki Bickford holds her cat Pippin on Tuesday at her home in Vancouver. Bickford said WA Cares “is going to keep people safe in their home instead of living in a car.”

Home care aide Vicki Bickford stands for a portrait Tuesday at her home in Vancouver.

Home care aide Vicki Bickford looks at string lights while holding her cat Pippin at Bickford’s home in Vancouver. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Christina Keys holds a photo of her late mother at her Vancouver home in July 2024. Keys defends WA Cares, which she said would have helped her care for her mother after a stroke. (amanda cowan/The Columbian files)