Help in Choosing a Home Health Care Provider

You should select home health care services as carefully as you select a physician, a lawyer or any other professional. Home health care should help relieve you of emotional and financial burdens, not add to your worries with unexpected costs or unsatisfactory performance. Here are some areas to investigate before you make up your mind.

Credentials of the home health care agency:

• Does the agency have a client's bill of rights available?
• What is the professional reputation of the agency? The local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau can help you verify the reputation of private companies offering home care services.
• Are employees bonded and insured? Bonding of employees entering your home is an important protection against theft. Professional personnel - such as RNs - should also carry malpractice insurance.

Billing Procedures:

• How much will the services you need cost? Whom do you pay?
• Will you be billed by the hour, week, or the month?
• Are there any extra charges (travel, overtime, taxes, etc.)

Health Insurance Coverage:

Be prepared to check your health insurance coverage (group or private) or to check with your Medicare or Medicaid representative, if you are eligible for either of these plans. Benefits vary greatly, as do requirement for coverage. The home health service you choose should be able to help you determine coverage.