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Washington · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level (Washington has 13 AAAs) / Washington State Department of Social and Health Services - DSHS, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration - ALTSA (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: dshs.wa.gov/altsa; wa211.org; wahealthplanfinder.org WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; DSHS HCS office; 211 Washington
Online Option
dshs.wa.gov/altsa; wa211.org; wahealthplanfinder.org
Where to Go
Your regional AAA; local senior center; DSHS HCS office; 211 Washington
County-specific variations apply

Washington's 13 AAAs reflect the state's geographic diversity. King County (Seattle metro - largest AAA area), Pierce County (Tacoma), Snohomish County (Everett), and Spokane County have the most resources. Eastern Washington (rural areas of Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, and Wahkiakum counties) faces significant service access challenges. Western Washington's Olympic Peninsula (Clallam, Jefferson counties) and rural southwestern Washington (Pacific, Wahkiakum counties) also have limited resources.

Washington Notes

Important state-specific details

  • SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors): Washington's free Medicare counseling - contact your AAA or SHIBA at (800) 562-6900; helps with Medicare enrollment, billing, plan selection, and prescription assistance.
  • COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE (CFC): Washington's primary Medicaid HCBS program; provides personal care, adult day health, and other services to allow seniors and disabled to live at home or in the community; apply through DSHS HCS at (877) 501-2233.
  • SENIOR AND DISABLED PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION: Qualifying WA residents 61+ or disabled with income under $84,000 (2024 limit) receive an exemption from excess levies and state levy reduction; for lowest income tier, taxes capped at 1% of assessed value; apply with county assessor; one of the best programs in the nation.
  • LIHEAP: Energy assistance; important given Washington's cool, wet winters (especially west of Cascades) and hot summers (east of Cascades); apply through WAP (Weatherization and Energy Assistance Program) or Community Action Agencies or 211.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through DSHS APS at (877) 734-6277 (statewide reporting hotline, 24 hours).
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
WA DSHS ALTSA - dshs.wa.gov/altsa | (360) 725-2310; SHIBA: (800) 562-6900; APS: (877) 734-6277; DSHS HCS (Medicaid): (877) 501-2233; 211 WA: dial 211; Northwest Justice Project: nwjp.org