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WA Cares for Service Providers

Do you offer home modifications that make it easier for people to live in their own homes? How about yard work or light housekeeping? Did you know services like these can be considered long-term care just like in-home aides, skilled nursing, and more?

Most of us will need help living independently in our own homes at some point. The WA Cares Fund ensures working Washingtonians can earn access to long-term care when they need it.  

A network of qualified businesses will provide the support that allows people to choose the combination of WA Cares- covered services that best meet their care needs. Businesses will contract through Area Agencies on Aging, like Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging (LMTAAA), Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), or both.  

There are four important steps to providing long-term services in Lewis, Mason or Thurston counties as a registered contractor. 

1. Meet the minimum qualifications required. Visit the WA Cares Fund provider toolkit to find your service category or categories, discover what you need to apply and view sample contracts.  

2. Submit your application for review beginning October 1, 2025. Depending on your service(s) and location(s), an Area Agency on Aging like LMTAAA or DSHS will review your application.  

Not sure where to start or which services you want to offer in Lewis, Mason or Thurston counties? Reach out to the Contracts team at Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging by emailing LMTContractsApplications@dshs.wa.gov. 

Our knowledgeable staff are happy to connect to answer questions on becoming a provider. We can also guide you through the provider application process. 

3. Once your application is approved, you will receive a new client service contract for signature. Your contract will last either two or four years, depending on your service type.  

4. Once you have a contract in place, registration is finished when your information is added to the online WA Cares Provider Directory. Your directory listing will include: 

  • Your name 
  • The service(s) you provide 
  • Your contact information 
  • Any additional languages you offer to beneficiaries who use your services 

The entire registration process could take up to 90 days to complete. 

All registered providers can begin serving eligible working Washingtonians on July 1, 2026. WA Cares Fund beneficiaries will find your business through the WA Cares Provider Directory and are responsible for contacting you directly.  

Lewis, Mason, Thurston and Spokane counties will offer first access to WA Cares services to a select group of qualified community members. Providers contracted for services in these counties may begin supporting beneficiaries in January of 2026. 

Want to learn more about becoming a WA Cares provider? Join the WA Cares Fund on November 4 at 1 p.m. for a live webinar. Register by clicking this link. Interpretation services will be available. 
 
Check out past provider webinars here.

Younger Hand Providing Support to Arm of a Person in a Wheelchair Trying to Stand

Frequently Asked Questions

Providers are needed for long-term supports ranging from adult day services and home-delivered meals to in-home personal care, adaptive equipment, yard work and beyond.  

In Lewis, Mason and Thurston counties, LMTAAA is expanding providers in all WA Cares resource categories. Services with an increased need for qualified providers in these counties include housekeeping and home safety checks. 

Businesses skilled at making physical changes to a home to lessen difficulties getting around, improve safety, and make daily tasks easier are also in demand. If your company can widen doors, install shower grab bars, build ramps and more, your expertise is needed.  

Transportation providers who service Lewis County are also greatly encouraged to apply. 

Take the first steps in providing or expanding your services in Lewis, Mason or Thurston counties as a registered WA Cares provider by connecting with LMTAAA’s Contracts team. Schedule a personalized consultation by emailing LMTContractsApplications@dshs.wa.gov. 

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Yes, if you are already a contracted provider with Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging, you will still need to apply to become a registered WA Cares provider.  

You will need a WA Cares specific contract to deliver services and be paid by the program. This would include all aspects of applying, including a background check, contracting, and registration. LMTAAA will do its best to align your WA Cares contract term length with your existing service contract(s).

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While there is one WA Cares provider application, which agency you contract with — an Area Agency on Aging like LMTAAA, the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or both — will depend on the service(s) and location(s) selected on your application.  

The Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging Contracting team is available to answer any questions you may have about offering services in Lewis, Mason or Thurston counties as a registered WA Cares provider. Reach out to our friendly staff by emailing LMTContractsApplications@dshs.wa.gov  

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Yes! Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging’s knowledgeable Contracts team can guide you through the application process for services. 

Providers interested in offering a service(s) in Lewis, Mason or Thurston counties can connect with our experienced Contracts staff on first steps by emailing LMTContractsApplications@dshs.wa.gov. 

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No, there is no application fee to contract as a WA Cares provider whether you apply through an Area Agency on Aging like LMTAAA or DSHS. 

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WA Cares will pay within your usual, customary and reasonable rate range up to the published maximum rate as determined by DSHS. 

Exact rates are negotiated between the provider and the person requesting the service.  

WA Cares providers cannot bill more than they would charge any member of the public who needed the same care under the same circumstances in the same location. 

The person requesting the service must agree to the cost first before a provider can move forward. 

For more information on rates and pre-authorization, visit https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/providers/toolkit. 

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