Washington · Resources
The numbers you actually need — Washington.
Phone numbers, agencies, free legal help, forms, and the statutes our topic guides cite. The page to bookmark when you don’t want to dig.
If you need help right now
State Medicaid agency
The office that determines eligibility and runs the program
Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) — Health Care Authority
Washington Apple Health is the state's Medicaid program. Apply online through Washington Healthplanfinder or through DSHS for LTC services.
Aging services — your entry point
Single number that routes to your local Area Agency on Aging
Washington DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA)
ALTSA coordinates 13 regional Area Agencies on Aging across Washington. Single-entry-point intake for older-adult services.
Adult Protective Services
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call this number
Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)
Federally-funded, unbiased — not selling you a plan
SHIBA — Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors
Washington's federally-funded SHIP, operated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling statewide.
State health department
Regulates nursing homes and licensed facilities
Washington State Department of Health
Regulates nursing homes, assisted living, and adult family homes through DSHS Residential Care Services Division.
Finding a lawyer
Bar referral first, legal aid if income-qualified
Washington State Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Northwest Justice Project — CLEAR Hotline
Statewide civil legal aid coordinated intake for low-income Washingtonians; CLEAR*Senior line for 60+.
WashingtonLawHelp.org
Statewide legal information portal for self-help materials and legal aid referrals.
Nonprofits worth knowing
State chapters and organizations focused on aging in this state
Alzheimer's Association — Washington State Chapter
24/7 helpline, caregiver education, and support groups across Washington.
AARP Washington
Statewide advocacy and caregiver resources.
Washington State Council on Aging
Statutorily established advisory council on aging policy in Washington.
Other hotlines
Numbers worth saving in your phone
- 1-800-633-4227
Medicare (federal)
1-800-MEDICARE — 24/7 federal Medicare helpline.
- 1-844-227-3439
WA Cares Fund
Washington's public long-term-care benefit program; eligibility and claims information.
- 211
Washington 2-1-1
Local community resource referrals 24/7.
Forms & templates
Official Washington document references
Washington Durable Power of Attorney (RCW 11.125)
Uniform Power of Attorney Act adopted by Washington effective January 2017. Notarization required; specific authority language needed for hot powers.
Washington Health Care Directive (Living Will) — RCW 70.122
Statutory form under the Natural Death Act. Two adult witnesses required.
Washington Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
Allowed under RCW 11.125.400; commonly combined with the Living Will into a single Advance Directive document.
POLST — Washington POLST Form
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, used statewide; available through wsma.org.
Key statutes we cite
Washington laws referenced across our topic guides
| Citation | Subject |
|---|---|
| RCW 11.125 | Uniform Power of Attorney Act (Washington) |
| RCW 70.122 | Natural Death Act (Health Care Directives) |
| RCW 74.34 | Abuse of Vulnerable Adults Act |
| RCW 50B.04 | WA Cares Long-Term Services and Supports Trust |
| RCW 26.16 | Community Property |
| RCW 11.96A (TEDRA) | Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act |
| RCW 83.100 | Washington State Estate Tax |
| RCW 70.128 | Adult Family Homes |
| RCW 18.20 | Assisted Living Facility Licensure |
More from Washington
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