06 Jul Worker’s Compensation for Home Health Care
There are few professions more noble than home health care. Providing comfort and care to individuals who are ill or unable to perform basic health and hygiene tasks is not easy, physically or emotionally. The hours are long and the work is difficult, but most home health care workers will tell you that they love their job and the satisfaction that they receive from helping their clients. But what happens when those who provide care need care themselves?
From lifting heavy objects to being exposed to blood, home health care workers have an increased risk of being injured on the job. Who takes care of the home health workers in these situations? This is an important question to be answered, and worker’s compensation coverage can provide the answers to the financial side of this problem.
Because a home health care worker is constantly on his or her feet in a physically demanding job, any injury accident is likely to sideline the employee and leave them unable to work for a number of days or weeks. During this time, worker’s compensation would go into effect. Any doctor’s bills that need to be paid, any prescriptions that must be filled, and any physical therapy that is required are likely to be covered by worker’s compensation. Additionally, an employee who is unable to work is typically unable to draw a salary. In this case, worker’s compensation provides a portion of their salary (typically around two-thirds of normal salary) to help them continue to meet other financial obligations.
Another benefit provided by worker’s compensation is financial protection to the employer. When your employee signs the paperwork to accept worker’s compensation benefits, they typically also give up their right to sue the company for damages related to the accident in the future.
Worker’s compensation coverage is a benefit that employers must provide to their employees. This coverage can be purchased through a state’s division of worker’s compensation, a trade union (which may be able to provide you with an industry discount), or a private agency who writes policies which comply with a state’s regulations.
Finally, it is important to note that obtaining worker’s compensation insurance is rarely ever an option, but is almost always a requirement. Save for a few Southern, right-to-work states, providing worker’s compensation coverage to employees is a requirement, and proof of coverage must be presented before a business can legally operate. These requirements are in place no matter how many home health care workers you may employ, or whether they are employed as part-time or full-time workers.
In a perfect world, our home health workers (also known as our angels in scrubs) would remain safe and healthy throughout every job. But to prepare for those times when someone is injured or becomes ill, having worker’s compensation insurance will ensure that you, your employee, and your business is financially protected. Speak to an agent today to make sure that you have the right amount and kind of worker’s compensation insurance to meet your needs.
All information is general in nature and is intended to provide guidance only. It is up to you to request specific coverage options, the agency and agent do not bear this responsibility. Always read the policy if there is a questions about coverage or a claim. If any information herein should conflict with your actual policy’s specific language, the policy language will be controlling.
No Comments