SEATTLE — Initiative 2124, which would allow people to opt out of WA Cares, is projected to fail.
The initiative was being rejected by 55% the day after the general election.
The organization "No on I-2124" said in a statement Tuesday night that Washington voters decided to reject the initiative.
“The defeat of I-2124 is a huge victory for millions of Washingtonians, working families, and especially women and people with pre-existing conditions," the organization said in a statement. "This win in Washington has national implications because many other states are watching closely as they build their own long-term care safety nets.
"Voters are clearly rejecting I-2124’s radical attempt to take away long-term care benefits from 4 million Washingtonians. Washingtonians agreed with the financial experts, caregivers, and more than 150 health and other organizations that Washington’s public long-term care insurance is a vital benefit and program."
If passed, I-2124 would allow people to opt out of the WA Cares Fund, the state’s new long-term care insurance program.
Under the Long Term Care Act, eligible workers pay 0.58% of their paychecks to fund the program.
Supporters of the initiative argue the program is too expensive and that workers should have the right to choose whether or not to participate in the program.
Opponents of the initiative said it would effectively repeal the program.
AARP Washington, which backs the "Vote No on I-2124" movement, said the initiative would take away much-needed financial support when Washingtonians face serious long-term illness, injury, or disability.