Skip to main content

Home Care Insurance Requirements by State

Our guide to home care insurance requirements by state provides a complete overview of the coverage needed for agency licensing and compliance. Navigating home care insurance requirements by state is a critical step for every owner as regulations vary significantly across the country. This directory helps you understand the specific home care insurance requirements by state so you can protect your agency and maintain your license. Whether you are launching a new startup or expanding your services, our team ensures you meet all home care insurance requirements by state in every location where you operate.

Insurance requirements for home care agencies vary significantly from state to state. Some states mandate specific coverages and minimum limits for licensing. Medicare certification requires professional liability insurance nationwide. Medicaid waiver programs have their own requirements. Understanding your state’s specific requirements is essential for legal operation, maintaining licensure, and securing payer contracts.

  • Covers liability for at-fault accidents involving company vehicles
  • Protects against vehicle damage from collisions, theft, or vandalism
  • Required if your agency owns vehicles used for business purposes

How to Use Our Home Care Insurance Requirements by State Guide

This home care insurance requirements by state resource is designed to help you stay ahead of changing mandates and federal standards. We recommend using this home care insurance requirements by state directory to compare limits for professional liability and general liability across different jurisdictions. Because licensing boards often update their rules, our home care insurance requirements by state data is reviewed frequently to provide you with the most accurate information. If you are unsure about the home care insurance requirements by state for your specific agency type, please contact a specialist for a personalized compliance review. By following the home care insurance requirements by state outlined here, you can avoid costly penalties and ensure continuous coverage.
Home Care Insurance Requirements by State Map and Guide

How Home Care Insurance Requirements by State Function

Each state has its own regulations governing home care agencies, and insurance requirements differ based on several factors including your agency type, services provided, and licensing category. Understanding these requirements helps ensure you maintain compliance and avoid penalties, license suspension, or legal issues.

Key Factors That Determine Requirements:

Agency Type:
  • Home Health Agencies (Medicare-certified): Must meet federal Medicare Conditions of Participation plus state requirements
  • Home Care Agencies (non-medical): Requirements vary by state; some mandate insurance, others don’t
  • Personal Care Agencies: State-specific licensing and insurance requirements
  • Private Duty Nursing: Often regulated as healthcare providers with insurance mandates
  • Adult Day Care Centers: Facility-based requirements differ from in-home care
Services Provided:
  • Skilled nursing services typically require higher limits
  • Personal care and companion care may have different requirements
  • Agencies with transportation services need additional coverage
  • Specialized services (dementia care, pediatric care) may have enhanced requirements
Licensing Category:
  • State-licensed agencies have specific insurance requirements
  • Medicare-certified agencies must meet federal standards
  • Medicaid providers must meet state Medicaid requirements
  • Private-pay agencies face fewer mandates but still need protection

Standard Home Care Insurance Requirements by State

While requirements vary, most states that regulate home care insurance follow similar patterns:

Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice/E&O)

Who Needs It:

  • Required: Medicare-certified home health agencies (all states)
  • Required: Many state-licensed home care agencies
  • Recommended: All agencies providing care services

Typical Minimum Limits:

  • $1 million per claim / $3 million aggregate (most common)
  • $1 million per claim / $1 million aggregate (some states)
  • $2 million per claim / $4 million aggregate (higher-risk services)

What It Covers: Medical errors, negligence claims, inadequate care allegations, professional mistakes

General Liability Insurance

Who Needs It:

  • Required: Most state-licensed agencies
  • Required: Agencies with Medicare certification
  • Required: Virtually all payer contracts and facility agreements

Typical Minimum Limits:

  • $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate (standard)
  • $2 million per occurrence / $4 million aggregate (some contracts)

What It Covers: Bodily injury, property damage, client falls, accidents

Workers Compensation Insurance

Who Needs It:

  • Required by law: All agencies with employees (in 49 states; Texas is exception)
  • Required when: You have even one employee
  • Exemptions: Some states exempt very small employers (under 3-5 employees)

Coverage Amount: Determined by state law, not optional limits

What It Covers: Employee injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation

Surety Bond (Some States)

Who Needs It:

  • Required: Some states require surety bonds instead of or in addition to insurance
  • Typical amounts: $5,000 to $50,000 depending on state

Purpose: Protects clients from agency financial impropriety, unpaid wages, or contract breaches

Why We Track Home Care Insurance Requirements by State

Our team monitors home care insurance requirements by state because we know that compliance is the foundation of a successful agency. Every home care insurance requirements by state update we publish is designed to prevent license delays for our clients. By centralizing all home care insurance requirements by state in one directory, we save agency owners hours of research time. You can rely on this home care insurance requirements by state guide to provide the specific limits needed for professional liability and general liability in your region. If you notice a change in the home care insurance requirements by state for your area, please let us know so we can update the community. We are committed to being the most accurate source for home care insurance requirements by state nationwide.

Select Your Region for Home Care Insurance Requirements by State

Select your state below to view specific insurance requirements for home care agencies. Requirements listed are for state licensing; Medicare certification has additional federal requirements.

ALABAMA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability required, minimum $1M/$2M
  • Professional liability: Not explicitly required by state but recommended
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements ($1M/$3M professional liability minimum)

Additional Notes: Requirements apply to licensed home care agencies. Private-pay agencies without licensure have fewer mandates.

State Resources: Alabama Department of Public Health

ALASKA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: Insurance requirements vary by license type
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for agencies providing nursing services
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence recommended
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Alaska has specific requirements for agencies serving Alaska Native populations.

State Resources: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

ARIZONA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: Required for agencies providing skilled services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Arizona requires background checks and specific caregiver training.

State Resources: Arizona Department of Health Services

ARKANSAS

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: Insurance required, specific limits vary by service type
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for skilled services
  • General liability: $1M/$2M minimum
  • Workers compensation: Required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

State Resources: Arkansas Department of Health

CALIFORNIA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M minimum required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M required for agencies with nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees (no exemptions)
  • Bond: $100,000 for some license types

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: California has strict caregiver training and background check requirements. Requirements differ for Home Care Organizations (HCO) vs. Home Health Agencies.

State Resources: California Department of Social Services, California Department of Public Health

COLORADO

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: Required for skilled services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

State Resources: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

CONNECTICUT

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Connecticut regulates home health agencies and personal care attendants separately.

State Resources: Connecticut Department of Public Health

DELAWARE

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability and professional liability required
  • Minimum limits: $1M/$2M general, $1M/$3M professional
  • Workers compensation: Required
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

State Resources: Delaware Division of Public Health

FLORIDA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees (exemptions available for certain small businesses)
  • Bond: $5,000 to $50,000 depending on license type

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Florida has three license types (HHA, CNA, HHA) with different requirements. Background screening is mandatory.

State Resources: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

GEORGIA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for skilled services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

State Resources: Georgia Department of Community Health

HAWAII

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for agencies with skilled nursing
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Hawaii has specific requirements for agencies serving Native Hawaiian populations. Island-specific regulations may apply.

State Resources: Hawaii Department of Health

IDAHO

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability and professional liability required
  • Minimum limits: $1M/$2M general, $1M/$3M professional
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Idaho requires enhanced background checks for all direct care workers.

State Resources: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

ILLINOIS

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: $10,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Illinois distinguishes between home health agencies and home nursing agencies with different requirements. Chicago may have additional city requirements.

State Resources: Illinois Department of Public Health

INDIANA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Indiana requires specific training certifications for personal care aides.

State Resources: Indiana State Department of Health

IOWA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for skilled services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Iowa has streamlined licensing for agencies serving only private-pay clients.

State Resources: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals

KANSAS

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Kansas requires specific infection control protocols and documentation.

State Resources: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

KENTUCKY

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Kentucky requires enhanced training for caregivers working with dementia patients.

State Resources: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services

LOUISIANA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Louisiana requires specific hurricane preparedness and emergency evacuation plans. Background checks through Louisiana State Police required.

State Resources: Louisiana Department of Health

MAINE

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for agencies providing nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Maine has specific requirements for agencies serving rural and frontier areas.

State Resources: Maine Department of Health and Human Services

MARYLAND

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: $50,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Maryland has strict caregiver training requirements including 40-hour initial training. Baltimore City may have additional requirements.

State Resources: Maryland Department of Health

MASSACHUSETTS

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Massachusetts requires specific competency evaluations for all caregivers. Enhanced background checks mandatory.

State Resources: Massachusetts Department of Public Health

MICHIGAN

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Michigan distinguishes between home health agencies and home care organizations with different insurance requirements for each.

State Resources: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

MINNESOTA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Minnesota has comprehensive training requirements for personal care assistants including 75-hour training program.

State Resources: Minnesota Department of Health

MISSISSIPPI

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $10,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Mississippi requires specific documentation and reporting for all patient incidents.

State Resources: Mississippi State Department of Health

MISSOURI

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Missouri requires specific infection control training and annual competency testing for caregivers.

State Resources: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

MONTANA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for skilled services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees (some exemptions for very small employers)
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Montana has specific requirements for agencies serving tribal lands and Native American populations.

State Resources: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

NEBRASKA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Nebraska requires enhanced training for caregivers working with individuals with developmental disabilities.

State Resources: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

NEVADA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: $50,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Nevada requires specific business licenses in addition to health care licenses. Clark County (Las Vegas) has additional local requirements.

State Resources: Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health

NEW HAMPSHIRE

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: New Hampshire has specific requirements for agencies providing services to individuals with acquired brain disorders.

State Resources: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

NEW JERSEY

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: $50,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: New Jersey has strict licensing and oversight. Requires detailed policies and procedures manual. Enhanced background checks mandatory.

State Resources: New Jersey Department of Health

NEW MEXICO

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: New Mexico requires cultural competency training for caregivers serving Native American populations.

State Resources: New Mexico Department of Health

NEW YORK

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required (higher limits recommended)
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees (no exemptions)
  • Disability insurance: Required for employees
  • Bond: Amount varies by license type

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: New York has some of the strictest home care regulations in the nation. Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) have specific requirements. NYC has additional city requirements. Must comply with wage parity requirements.

State Resources: New York State Department of Health

NORTH CAROLINA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for agencies with nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees (exemptions for very small employers)
  • Bond: $30,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: North Carolina requires specific training curriculum and competency evaluation for all personal care aides.

State Resources: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

NORTH DAKOTA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: North Dakota has specific requirements for agencies serving rural and frontier communities.

State Resources: North Dakota Department of Health

OHIO

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Ohio requires specific training for home health aides including 75-hour curriculum. Background checks through Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

State Resources: Ohio Department of Health

OKLAHOMA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Oklahoma requires enhanced background checks including fingerprinting for all direct care staff.

State Resources: Oklahoma State Department of Health

OREGON

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees
  • Bond: $20,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Oregon has specific requirements for agencies providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Enhanced training requirements.

State Resources: Oregon Department of Human Services

PENNSYLVANIA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $50,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Pennsylvania requires specific criminal background checks through Pennsylvania State Police and FBI. Comprehensive caregiver training program required.

State Resources: Pennsylvania Department of Health

RHODE ISLAND

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for agencies with nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Rhode Island requires specific competency evaluation and annual training for all direct care workers.

State Resources: Rhode Island Department of Health

SOUTH CAROLINA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees (some small employer exemptions)
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: South Carolina requires specific infection control training and documentation protocols.

State Resources: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

SOUTH DAKOTA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for skilled services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: South Dakota has specific requirements for agencies serving Native American tribal populations.

State Resources: South Dakota Department of Health

TENNESSEE

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Tennessee requires specific training curriculum for home care aides including minimum 40-hour training program.

State Resources: Tennessee Department of Health

TEXAS

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: NOT required by state law (Texas is only state where workers comp is optional)
  • Bond: $10,000 to $50,000 depending on license type

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Texas has multiple license types with varying requirements. Workers compensation is optional but highly recommended. Background checks required through Texas Department of Public Safety.

State Resources: Texas Health and Human Services Commission

UTAH

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $30,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Utah requires specific training for caregivers and annual competency evaluations.

State Resources: Utah Department of Health

VERMONT

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Vermont has specific requirements for agencies serving rural communities and requires cultural competency training.

State Resources: Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

VIRGINIA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Virginia requires specific training curriculum for personal care aides including 40-hour training program. Enhanced background checks mandatory.

State Resources: Virginia Department of Health

WASHINGTON

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for agencies with nursing services
  • Workers compensation: Required for all employees (no exemptions)
  • Bond: $50,000 surety bond required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Washington has comprehensive training requirements for home care aides including 75-hour training program. Strong worker protection laws. Background checks through Washington State Patrol.

State Resources: Washington State Department of Health

WEST VIRGINIA

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M per occurrence required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: $25,000 surety bond

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: West Virginia requires specific training for caregivers serving individuals with developmental disabilities.

State Resources: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources

WISCONSIN

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home health agencies: Professional liability $1M/$3M required
  • General liability: $1M/$2M required
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Wisconsin requires specific caregiver training and annual competency testing. Enhanced background check requirements.

State Resources: Wisconsin Department of Health Services

WYOMING

State Licensing Requirements:

  • Home care agencies: General liability $1M/$2M required
  • Professional liability: $1M/$3M for skilled services
  • Workers compensation: Required for employees
  • Bond: Not required

Medicare Home Health: Must meet federal requirements

Additional Notes: Wyoming has specific requirements for agencies serving rural and frontier areas. Smaller population means fewer licensed agencies overall.

State Resources: Wyoming Department of Health

Federal Requirements for Medicare-Certified Home Health Agencies

All States – Federal Requirements:

Medicare Conditions of Participation (42 CFR §484.12) require all Medicare-certified home health agencies to maintain:

Professional Liability Insurance:

  • Minimum: $1 million per claim
  • Aggregate: $3 million annual aggregate (recommended, though not explicitly required)
  • Coverage type: Professional liability/malpractice/errors & omissions
  • Must cover: All professional services provided by the agency

General Liability Insurance:

  • Required by most accrediting bodies (Joint Commission, ACHC)
  • Minimum $1 million per occurrence recommended
  • Required by most payer contracts

Workers Compensation:

Required by state law (applies in addition to Medicare requirements)

Proof of Insurance:

  • Must provide current certificates to Medicare contractors
  • Must maintain continuous coverage
  • Coverage gaps can result in Medicare termination

Medicaid Home Care Insurance Requirements by State

Medicaid requirements vary by state and waiver program. Common requirements include:

Insurance Requirements:

  • Professional liability: Usually $1M/$3M minimum
  • General liability: Usually $1M/$2M minimum
  • Workers compensation: Always required
  • Surety bonds: Some states require bonds for Medicaid providers

Provider Enrollment:

  • Must meet state Medicaid provider requirements
  • Background checks required
  • Specific training requirements
  • Quality assurance standards

Note: Each state administers its own Medicaid program with unique requirements. Contact your state Medicaid office for specific requirements.

Insurance Compliance Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Assuming No Insurance Required

The Issue: Operating without insurance because your state doesn’t explicitly require it

The Risk: Payer contracts require insurance even if state doesn’t. One lawsuit could bankrupt you.

The Solution: Carry adequate insurance regardless of state mandates. Most contracts require $1M/$3M professional liability and $1M/$2M general liability minimum.

Mistake 2: Inadequate Coverage Limits

The Issue: Carrying state minimum limits that don’t meet contract requirements

The Risk: Losing contracts, inadequate protection for serious claims

The Solution: Review all payer contracts and carry limits that meet the highest requirements. Consider $2M/$4M limits for better protection.

Mistake 3: Wrong Coverage Type

The Issue: Having only general liability when professional liability is required

The Risk: License suspension, contract violations, no coverage for professional negligence claims

The Solution: Understand which coverages your state and contracts require. Most home care agencies need both general AND professional liability.

Mistake 4: Coverage Lapses

The Issue: Letting insurance lapse even briefly due to non-payment or late renewal

The Risk: License suspension, Medicare termination, contract breaches, no coverage for incidents during lapse

The Solution: Set up automatic payments, renew 30 days early, maintain continuous coverage with no gaps.

Mistake 5: Not Updating Insurance for New States

The Issue: Expanding to new states without understanding new insurance requirements

The Risk: Operating illegally, license denial, contract rejections

The Solution: Research requirements before expanding. Some states require higher limits or additional coverages.

Ensuring You Meet All Requirements

Step 1

Identify All Applicable Requirements

  • State licensing requirements
  • Medicare certification requirements (if applicable)
  • Medicaid provider requirements (if applicable)
  • Payer contract requirements
  • Facility partnership requirements
Step 2

Review Current Coverage

  • Check your declarations pages for current limits
  • Verify all required coverages are in place
  • Confirm coverage is continuous with no gaps
  • Ensure certificates list required additional insureds
Step 3

Compare Requirements to Current Coverage

  • Do your limits meet or exceed all requirements?
  • Do you have all required coverage types?
  • Are all locations and operations covered?
  • Do you have proper endorsements?
Step 4

Address Any Gaps

  • Increase limits if inadequate
  • Add missing coverages
  • Update policies for new locations
  • Obtain required endorsements
Step 5

Maintain Proof of Compliance

  • Keep current certificates on file
  • Provide certificates to all entities requiring them
  • Update certificates when policies renew
  • Document all insurance communications

Need Help Understanding Your State’s Requirements?

State insurance requirements can be complex and confusing. Requirements change, vary by agency type, and differ based on your specific services. Our specialists can help you understand exactly what coverage you need for your state and situation.

What We Can Help With:

  • Clarifying your state’s specific requirements
  • Explaining what coverage you need for licensing
  • Reviewing your current coverage for compliance
  • Identifying any gaps in your coverage
  • Recommending appropriate limits
  • Providing certificates for licensing and contracts
Get Your Free Quote

We’ll assess your state requirements and provide coverage that ensures compliance.

Talk to a Specialist

Speak with an expert who knows your state’s requirements.

Additional Insurance Resources

FAQs

Common questions about insurance requirements, coverage types, and compliance

Insurance Glossary

Understand insurance terms and policy components

Get a Quote

Let us help you get compliant coverage for your state

Final Thoughts on Home Care Insurance Requirements by State

Maintaining a deep understanding of home care insurance requirements by state is essential as your agency grows and expands. This home care insurance requirements by state index serves as a permanent reference for your compliance officer and management team. Whether you are reviewing home care insurance requirements by state for a new Medicaid waiver program or a private insurance contract, the data found here provides the necessary benchmarks.

We update this home care insurance requirements by state page regularly to ensure your agency never falls out of compliance. Thank you for choosing our home care insurance requirements by state directory as your primary regulatory resource. For personalized assistance with home care insurance requirements by state, please reach out to our specialists today.


Licensed in All 50 States | ✓ State Requirement Experts | ✓ 20+ Years Experience | ✓ Always Up-to-Date | ✓ Free Guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about state insurance requirements for home care agencies. Requirements change and vary by specific license type, services provided, and local regulations. This information should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board and consult with licensed insurance professionals and legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.