2026 DSHS News Releases

Welcome to DSHS' media releases for 2026. You may sort by keyword, release number and date.


WA Cares Fund pilot offers early access to long-term care benefits

Feb 05 2026

DSHS Office of Communications, Jessica Nelson, (360) 688-3718

WA Cares Fund pilot offers early access to long-term care benefits

OLYMPIA — Applications are now open for the WA Cares Fund pilot program. A small group of residents in Lewis, Mason, Thurston and Spokane counties can apply for early access to the long-term care benefits they have earned since they started paying into the program in 2023. Benefits will be available to eligible Washingtonians statewide starting in ...read the full news release