If you are searching for home health care or home care for an aging parent, family member, or loved one, you will inevitably come to the question of licensure. What licensing is out there? Does it matter if the provider you choose is licensed? Will your long-term care insurance carrier approve or deny coverage based on your provider’s licensure status?
These are important questions that, unfortunately, do not always have clear answers. But here are the top three things to know when choosing long-term home care support.
1. Licensure is important
The purpose of licensing is to ensure that individual and agency care providers are meeting the basic standards of service and care – and that they’re prepared to maintain those levels of competency over time.
While the freelance marketplace and the prevalence of online databases for providers has made finding available options easier than ever, it hasn’t necessarily made it easier to find reliable and properly trained providers.
2. Licensure requirements vary by state
Many licensure requirements are determined at the state level: some don’t have any requirements at all and some just stipulate the need for a business license. Others have stipulations about training programs or background checks.
Contact your state’s home health agency to find out what their requirements are—and be sure to research the state where your loved one is (which isn’t necessarily your own!).
3. Licensure requirements vary by insurance policy
Some LTC policies stipulate the licensures, certifications, or other requirements needed in order for services to be covered. The policy may also differentiate between home health care and home care or between agency and individual providers.
This language can quickly become tricky and confusing, but the experienced claims team at Family Solutions for Care is well-versed in interpreting the language of policies—and translating between providers and carriers.
Ready to get some experienced help in understanding what your LTC policy will cover? Looking for support in filing your long-term claims? Give us a call at (844) 858-4500 or contact us today to schedule a FREE policy review and to find out how we can support your LTC claims!
