A Guide to the WA Cares Fund, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care in Vancouver
By Julie at Magnolia Gardens
Whenever families tour our two homes here in Vancouver, there is a moment where the conversation shifts. We’ve looked at the cozy private rooms, smelled whatever is baking in the kitchen, and talked about the specific care needs of their mom or dad. Then, the voice gets a little lower, and the real question comes out: "Julie, how do we actually pay for this long-term?"
I understand that weight. Navigating the financial side of senior care in Washington can feel like learning a second language. Between new state laws and complex insurance jargon, it’s a lot to take in.
Today, I want to pull back the curtain on the most common ways families in Clark County fund care, including some "hidden" costs and the local resources that can help.
1. The WA Cares Fund: Washington’s New Safety Net
You’ve likely seen the deduction on your paycheck. Washington is the first state in the country to create a public long-term care insurance program.
The Benefit: Starting in July 2026, eligible Washingtonians can begin accessing a lifetime benefit of $36,500. You can learn more and can begin accessing a lifetime benefit through the WA Cares Fund.
How it works for an AFH: While this won't cover years of care, it is designed to be a "bridge." It can be used for professional care in a licensed Adult Family Home like ours, or even to pay a family member to provide care at home.
2. The COPES Program: The Medicaid "Waiver"
Many people believe Medicaid only pays for large, clinical nursing homes. In Washington, the COPES (Community Options Program Entry System) program allows Medicaid-eligible seniors to receive care in a personal, community setting like an Adult Family Home.
I recently spoke with a family who had already spent a significant portion of their parents' retirement fund on in-home care. They were shocked to find that in-home care for even just 4-5 hours a day can be more expensive than 24/7 care in an Adult Family Home. For them, transitioning to our home wasn't just better for their mom's safety; it was the only way to make her savings last.
3. "Hidden" Costs to Keep on Your Radar
While your monthly rate at Magnolia Gardens covers the essentials (housing, meals, and 24/7 supervision), there are a few specialized needs that families should budget for:
Specialized Medical Services: Things like occupational therapy or professional toenail trimming are often separate.
Dementia-Specific Tools: If your loved one has advanced dementia, they might benefit from specialized equipment, like weighted blankets or large-handled utensils, that help them maintain independence. While we provide many of these at our homes, occasionally a family wants a specific brand or custom device.
4. Who to Call in Vancouver
If you are feeling overwhelmed, start with the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW). They are the "Senior and Disability Services" experts for Clark County. They can help you walk through the COPES application and find other local resources to make the transition easier.
Local Contact: You can find them right here in Vancouver at 201 NE 73rd St. or call their Resource Center at (360) 694-8144.
Julie’s Reflection: The "Emotional Side" of the Checkbook
I want to address the elephant in the room: the guilt. Whether it’s a spouse feeling like they are "spending down" their partner's legacy, or adult children making decisions about their parents' hard-earned savings, every family feels the weight of the "money conversation."
What I tell my families is this: Good care in our final stages of life is an investment in dignity. When you choose an Adult Family Home, you aren't just paying for a bed; you are paying to get your family back. When you leave the "burden" of 24-hour care to us, you get to stop being the "nurse" and go back to being the daughter, the son, or the spouse. That relationship is the most valuable thing you have.