The two parts of the policy
Part one, workers compensation, pays the benefits set by the law of the state where the employee works: medical care, a share of lost wages and, in serious cases, disability or death benefits. Part two, employers liability, responds when an injury leads to a lawsuit that is allowed outside the comp system, such as certain claims by a spouse.
Benefits, waiting periods and who must be covered are set state by state. A few states run their own monopolistic funds, so agencies operating there buy comp from the state rather than a private insurer.
What an underwriter wants to know about a care agency
- Type of care delivered and the share of skilled versus non-medical visits
- Payroll split between field caregivers and office staff
- Whether caregivers lift or transfer patients and what equipment they use
- How staff travel between visits
- Training on safe patient handling and infection control
- Claims over the past several years
Agencies with many part-time caregivers
Home care often runs on part-time and per-visit staff. Comp premium is generally based on total payroll, so the number of people matters less than how much you pay them. Keep payroll records organized by job type from day one; it makes the year-end audit far easier.
Coverage topics
Class codes and payroll
How caregiver payroll is classified and audited.
Learn moreCaregiver injuries and safety
Patient handling, slips, dogs and needlesticks.
Learn moreAgencies, registries and contractors
Employees, independent contractors and registry models.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
Do I need workers comp if my caregivers are part time?
In most states, yes. Part-time employees generally count, though thresholds and exemptions vary by state.
Does workers comp cover a caregiver hurt in a client's home?
Generally yes, if the injury arises out of and in the course of the job, which includes work performed at a client's residence.