Early election results show voters reject WA Cares Initiative 2124

On By Littum

WASHINGTON STATE — Early election results show that 55.49% of Washington voters reject Initiative 2124, while 44.51% approve of the initiative.

I-2124 would amend the Washington Cares Act and allow employees and the self-employed to opt out the state’s long-term care program.

The measure would also repeal a law governing an exemption for employees. This measure would decrease funding for Washington’s public insurance program that provides long-term care services and benefits.

RELATED: Voters must decide on a crucial change to Washington’s long-term care law this election

It is unknown how many current and future employees will choose to continue participating in the program. Therefore, the total impacts on revenues and program costs, including the amount of future benefit payments, are undetermined.

If voters approve Initiative 2124, there will be additional costs to the state due to administrative costs. Estimated expenditures for the first three state fiscal years combined range from $12,623,250 to $31,215,960, according to the Washington Office of the Secretary of State.

“There is an assumed decrease in government revenue due to workers opting out of the program and no longer paying premiums,”wrote the Washington Office of the Secretary of State. “It is unknown how many current and future workers will choose to continue participating in the program. Therefore, the total impacts on revenues and program costs, including the amount of future benefit payments, are undetermined. There are no known municipal tax consequences . . .

Workers who do not have an exemption from the Long Term Services and Support (LTSS) program will continue to pay premiums unless and until they affirmatively opt out of the program, according to the Washington Office of the Secretary of State

RELATED: WA judge rejects GOP attempt to keep economic impact initiatives off November ballot

If approved, the initiative’s provisions apply prospectively, not retroactively.

If approved by voters, the initiative’s effective date would be Dec. 5.