Home health care and home aide businesses have one of the most unique workers comp profiles of any industry. Workers travel to client homes, perform physically demanding care tasks, and often work alone without direct supervision. Here is what home care employers need to know.
Why Home Care Workers Comp Is Unique
Injuries in home care settings happen away from your business location and often without witnesses. Back injuries from lifting and transferring patients are the most common claim. Slip-and-fall accidents in client homes, exposure to illness, and needle-stick injuries for medical aides are also common sources of claims.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor in Home Care
Many home care agencies classify aides as independent contractors to avoid workers comp obligations. This is risky. Most states apply strict tests to determine worker status, and home care aides who work regular scheduled hours for a single agency are typically found to be employees. If the state agrees, you owe back premiums, penalties, and injury liability.
Workers Comp Class Codes for Home Care
Home health aides and personal care attendants have specific class codes that reflect the physical demands and injury exposure of the work. Getting the right code applied to the right workers is important for accurate pricing.
Get a Free Home Care Workers Comp Quote
Comp Matters Inc. writes workers comp for home health care and home aide businesses across the East Coast. Call (631) 248-2500 for a free quote.
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