www.birchequipment.com

"What is puzzling and even disturbing is the agencies that are responsible for putting this mandate into play are seemingly in disarray over this. In my opinion, they are basically building a plane while it is flying and have failed to notify its passengers that they are on that ride. Nearly no one knows about this coming mandate." -- Val Mikesell, Financial Advisor

Note: Annual Median Costs for long term care in Washington State is between $26k - $131k.

Washington State employees who've met the hour and minimum year requirements by the state.

Benefits not payable until January 2025 and is not portable, ie can't be used outside of Washington State.

Self-employed individuals are exempt, may choose to opt in

You must opt out by November 1, 2021. It is the only time anyone will be allowed to opt out BUT those choosing to opt out must show proof of individual long term care insurance (LTCi) coverage.

Note: For those who don't opt out, employers will have to withhold & send the tax to the state.

Birch contacted the state to ask about options for people who start working after 11/1/21 or for people who can't afford the costly private insurance now but might decide to buy into a plan in the future. The Washington Cares Fund Team response:

"The goal is to have all current and future Washington employees enrolled in the Cares Fund, as they currently are with unemployment and L&I.

There is a one-time grandfathering of those with coverage prior to WA Cares Fund implementation (by November 1, 2021), but there is no perpetual right to opt out. Insurance with voluntary participation is plagued by “adverse selection,” where people who are more likely to need it are more likely to participate, compared to those less likely to need it. This dynamic of voluntary participation and adverse selection is what makes private long-term care insurance so expensive – premiums are $2,800/year on average. You also typically have to pay private insurance premiums until you need care – often into your 80s, whereas you stop paying WA Cares Fund premiums the day you retire.

By all of us pooling a small amount of our paycheck into one fund ($5.80 for every $1,000 earned) throughout our careers, the program can remain affordable and cover more people in the long term."

- WA Cares Fund Team

Information from the Washington Policy Institute

Washington State Program Website

List of Companies Approved to Sell Long-Term Care Insurance in WA State

Helpful article explains what it means to opt-out

Compact to 350 Class Excavators with Multiple bucket & breaker attachments, chisels, points

Dozers 450 - 650 & Backhoes JD310, JCB3CX, Case580

Towable Water Trailers - 500 gallon poly tank, 7,000lb capacity

Control dust, protect from fire hazards, clean equipment.

Rent & Buy Flooring Equipment and Supplies at Birch

Birch is among the top 75 companies in Washington State recognized for community giving and supports the amazing work and services of 100's of organizations. One recipient, The Whatcom Council on Aging, receives support annually from Birch, most recently for their upcoming Senior Day in the Park - Picnic with a Purpose events. The BBQs give elders access to vendors and resources needed for quality of life issues and will be hosted at senior centers throughout Whatcom County Aug. 24th - 28th. Details HERE.

The Meals on Wheels (MOW) program is another incredible service provided by Whatcom Council on Aging for seniors in San Juan and Whatcom Counties. The donation-optional program provides meals for 2,500 people annually. Participants must be homebound and have difficulty shopping for and/or preparing healthy meals. In 2020, the program expanded eligibility to include self-isolating seniors to help reduce their exposure to COVID-19.

Demand for home-delivered meals spiked with the onset of the pandemic in March, 2020, remaining high throughout the year according to Program Director Julie Meyers.

Meyers adds volunteers are currently delivering Meals on Wheels to approximately 500 seniors monthly in Whatcom County and 150 in San Juan County, greater than 40% more Meals on Wheels clients than in June 2019.

In person meals at area senior centers were put on hold during the pandemic. The plan is to resume Senior Community Meal services in both Whatcom and San Juan Counties in September with reduced meal days, then work up to full pre-pandemic services. Learn more about MOW HERE.

2,200W & 7,000W Inverter Generators - Portable, quiet, stable for computers/household appliances

3,000W to 14,000W Gas Powered - Power up small tools/equipment, emergency power

Accessories: Parallel Cables & Covers for both P2500i & P4500i

In Whatcom County, The Bellingham Dockside Market gives seafood lovers the chance to connect directly with local fishermen. The market operates on Saturdays in Squalicum Harbor -- next market is scheduled for Sat, 8/27 from 10a - 2p. Check the Bellingham Dockside Facebook page to find out which fishermen will be at the dock and what products will be available.

Since 1988, the Skagit's Own Fish Market carries a wide selection of other local foods from producers such as Taylor Shellfish, Burrows Bay, Golden Glen, Aldrich Farms, and many others. There’s also a range of delicious freshly-prepared dishes including halibut tacos, prawn tacos, shrimp cocktail, crab cocktail, clam chowder, oyster burgers, and raw oyster shooters.

Sea to Shore Seafood Co. is at the Everett Farmer's Market Sundays now through October selling everything from halibut to spot prawns and black cod. You can also sign up to find out when Troller Point Fisheries will stop by Anthony's at the Port of Everett this fall. The crew stops at 8 ports for dockside sales including Ling Cod, Alaskan Spot Prawns, King and Coho Salmon fillets and more.

Food and travel guide, the Emerald Plate published a great list of places to go in Seattle. Topping the list -- The Wild Salmon Seafood Market at Fisherman's Terminal in interbay -- just past the Ballard Bridge toward downtown. OThers include Fresh Fish Co. in Ballard, Seattle Fish Company in W. Seattle & Taylor Shellfish Farms on Capitol Hill.