Insurance for caregivers is a hot topic. With the growth of “elder” or skilled nursing facilities and the aging of Baby Boomers there is an increase in demand for policies that specifically insure these individuals caring for elderly family members in their homes. How to get a home care license in Missouri is the same as how to get any insurance licensing exam.
Be sure to do your homework and talk with the insurer to understand the requirements and guidelines for licensing as well as coverage. Take a look at your current health insurance policy, any auto insurance rates or any home owner’s insurance policy to see if there are any gaps in coverage. If you have more than one caregiver, be sure to include them in your plan. Find out if your caregiver has a private vehicle or if you have to purchase your own auto insurance. There may be other options available for added coverage if needed.
When you talk to the insurer, always let them know that you are looking for insurance for caregivers. You will want to discuss not only medical needs but emotional and spiritual needs as well. Be specific about what you need as well such as: the type of medications your caregiver needs, if any, is your home care business will require more than one vehicle, whether your caregiver will drive or walk to the grocery store, if you will allow your caregiver to work while in your home, if there will be any risks or hazards, the amount of time your caregiver will be allowed to be away from your home and any other pertinent information. A thorough discussion is necessary to avoid any misunderstandings later.
In addition to discussing medical and emotional needs, you must also discuss liability insurance. Often, only a few caregivers are covered under a personal injury protection plan or a business liability insurance policy. If your caregiver works in an area that is commonly used, such as medical marijuana stores or drug stores, it may be wise to purchase a workers’ compensation or workers’ liability insurance as well. If you don’t have this insurance, find out if you can buy it separately from your home health care insurance policy. Many states, such as California, have laws that require employees who are exposed to controlled substances on the job to be protected against liability for injuries sustained while operating these products.
To make sure you are providing the best possible care for your loved one, you need insurance for caregivers. The costs can be substantial and you may be required to purchase more than one type of coverage. There are several types of policies you can choose from that vary in cost and coverage. These policies can be bought in packages, but you can also buy them independently. Whichever way you decide to go, it is important to purchase a good policy that will protect your family in case something happens to your loved one.
How do I get a home care license in Missouri? You should be aware that many caregivers carry their own medical expenses and liability insurance as well. Many people do not realize that they are covered for both medical expenses and liability when purchasing a home care insurance policy. In addition to purchasing a policy, you should also keep a record of your medical expenses and any other expenses for personal items that you may use on a daily basis. For instance, if you regularly take your grandmother for appointments or if you keep a large diary or notebook for your mother, you may need to justify these expenditures with your insurance policy. Insurance for caregivers may help defray these costs, especially if your insurance company have a preferred provider program. Purchasing an insurance policy that provides full or partial compensation insurance and a personal injury protection plan can help protect your family from the financial burdens that can occur if your loved one becomes injured or sick while providing you with personal care.