Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Home Health FAQs

Do your Nursing or Therapy services cost anything?

No. Home Health Services are typically covered by Medicare or Private Insurances. The Medicare and You Manual published by Medicare explains these services.

If I am in a HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), can I get Home Health Services?

When a patient is in a HMO, most if not all services have to be preauthorized through the HMO and with the primary care physician (PCP). This is done as a cost saving measure. Even if the PCP authorizes services, the HMO may not guarantee payment to the agency for those services.

If I'm in a HMO. Can you help me with getting back to traditional Medicare?

Yes, we can help you get back into traditional Medicare and choose a drug plan that fits your needs. In some situations this could mean a $0 premium, $0 Copay and $0 deductible depending on several factors. Contact our office to have a representative help you or your family members.

Can you help me with understanding what Medicare provides?

Yes, We have representatives that are knowledgeable with Medicare and Private Insurances to assist you.

Are you available 24 hours a day?

Yes and no. There is a nurse available to answer the phones 24 hours a day BUT your regular nurse may not be available for emergencies. Certain situations require calling 911 to expedite any medical emergencies no matter how small.

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Private Pay Caregiver FAQs

Do your caregiver services cost anything?

Yes. Our Caregiver Services are paid privately and rates are very reasonable. Contact our office to speak to one of our representatives who will explain our paid services in more detail.

Are your caregivers background checked?

Yes. All health care workers are thoroughly background checked through the State Police and FBI. We also check to see if a worked has ANY infractions. Currently the company does not hire people that have had any infractions no matter how small.

Some of your caregivers seem too young. Are your caregivers trained?

Yes. All health care workers are required to have at least 8 hours of training prior to being put into a home as a homemaker/caregiver.

Are you insured and bonded?

No. Since the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) gained oversight of Caregiver agencies from the Illinois Department of Labor, Home Services (Caregiver/non-skilled) agencies are no longer required to be bonded but are required to maintain Professional and Liability insurance along with IDPH licensing. All actions of caregivers are the responsibility of the agency.

What happens if we suspect a caregiver has taken anything?

While we thoroughly background check all caregivers, some can slip through the cracks. We take criminal behavior seriously and any criminal actions will be dealt with severely. Contact our office so that we can begin an investigation. We will find a resolution to the issue.

Do you provide live-in caregivers?

No. Since the law changed in 2015 requiring caregivers who work over 40 hours to get overtime pay, we can only provide shift work with multiple caregivers. The caregiver exemption to businesses was disallowed by the change in the law.

How is caregiver time tracked?

Caregiver time is tracked through a Telephony (tel-a-phone-ee) system. The caregiver will clock in or clock out using the clients phone to call toll-free number. Invoices to bill the client are generated based on this clocking system.

How often do I get billed for services?

Invoicing is done every two weeks and payment is due at that time. The Telephony system record is attached to the invoice as proof of the caregiver's arrival and departure activity.

The next question can be yours!

Contact our office with a question for us to post.