1. (1) The purpose of the pilot is for the department to assess administrative processes and system capabilities in preparation for implementation of the full program.
2. (2) The department will conduct a pilot from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, for the benefits under this chapter.
3. (3) The department will accept up to 400 applications for benefits in order of receipt, based on the date of application. The department may accept additional applications if the department does not enroll a sufficient number of beneficiaries to obtain necessary data from the pilot.
4. (4) The department will accept applications for benefits from January 6, 2026, until March 31, 2026.
5. (5) Applicants and eligible beneficiaries must reside and receive services within Lewis, Mason, Spokane, or Thurston counties.
6. (6) Applicants and eligible beneficiaries may not be enrolled in apple health (medicaid) for the duration of the pilot.
7. (7) During the pilot, approved services do not include memory care or nursing home services.
8. (8) Benefit units used during the pilot are deducted from the beneficiary's lifetime benefit units.
9. (9) Pilot participants will remain enrolled as eligible beneficiaries after termination of the pilot and subject to all other sections of this chapter.
10. (10) Unless explicitly modified by a pilot rule in this chapter, all other sections of this chapter apply to the pilot.
11. (11) This section is effective through June 30, 2026.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 50B.04.020 (3)(k). WSR 25-23-012, s 388-116-1020, filed 11/7/25, effective 12/8/25.]