Commissioners debate whether family caregivers should be paid directly or through intermediaries

Commissioners used the meeting to probe how WA Cares pays family caregivers and whether the current options (consumer‑directed employer model or home‑care agency) reduce the value of the $36,500 benefit when intermediaries collect fees.

Senator King criticized the current structure that can route payments through unions or agencies, saying it reduces the actual amount that goes to caregivers. "All we're doing is feeding the union or we're feeding the company that provides the service and taking it away from the actual benefit that these individuals are eligible for," King said, arguing beneficiaries should be able to pay family members directly without intermediary charges.

Staff responded that the state paying caregivers directly would create employer‑of‑record responsibilities for the state, increasing overhead and legal obligations (payroll, benefits and collective‑bargaining implications). Chair Bea Rector said direct state employment raises legal and administrative risks, including obligations under minimum wage and federal employment law, which is why staff advise contracting with third parties rather than making the state an employer of record.

Commissioners asked staff to collect more data and present potential options that minimize administrative costs to beneficiaries while avoiding untenable employer‑of‑record exposure for the state. That briefing was added to the list of action items for the next meeting.