How to get home care license in Connecticut, step by step

Home health care is a growing industry in the United States. As Baby Boomers continue to age and Gen X moves towards retirement, now may be the right time to start a private home care business in Connecticut.

Home health agencies, referred to as home companion agencies in Connecticut, provide patients with non-medical assistance that allows them to live safely and comfortably in their own homes. You will need a license to start a home health agency.

Before You Apply for a License

Taking steps to establish your home health agency may make it easier to get a home health care license for your business.

The application provided by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection asks for your business details and ownership.  It may be useful to complete some steps before filling out your application:

• Do market research – Understand what home health services are needed in your area, who your competition will be, and how they do business (i.e., services provided, fees charged, advertising).
• Write a business plan – Create a “roadmap” for the early years of your agency. Outline the services you’ll provide, set realistic business goals, create budgets and revenue forecasts, and begin building your marketing strategy.
• Choose a business structure – There are several options to choose from, including sole proprietor (individual), partnership, or corporation.
• Establish your business – The Department of Consumer Protection can help you determine if a business license and permits are required for your home health agency.
• Sort your business finances – Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and set up business bank accounts (if required for your business structure or desired).

Complete the Homemaker-Companion Agency Registration

You must submit a completed application to get a home health care license in Connecticut. As part of your application, you will need to:

• Provide details of your agency’s structure and ownership
• Specify where patient records will be stored
• Purchase a surety bond of at least $10,000

You will also need to pay an application fee, currently set at $375.

Protect Your Agency

Connecticut home health agencies do not need insurance to get a home health care license. However, you may need Workers’ Compensation insurance under state law.

Other types of insurance may be optional, but they can still provide essential coverage for your home health agency. Unplanned bills—like injury claims, lawsuits or broken equipment—can be expensive. Business insurance can help you manage these and other expenses, so you don’t have to.

Connecticut home health agencies often consider:

Professional Liability

A Professional Liability insurance policy (also known as Errors and Omissions or E&O insurance) is an essential policy that protects you and your company in case of a lawsuit due to alleged professional wrongdoing.
A patient or their family could bring a claim or lawsuit against your agency if they are unhappy with the services provided. Professional Liability insurance helps protect your agency and home health aides against negligence claims.

General Liability

General Liability insurance protects businesses against the risk of customer injury and property damage.
Your staff will likely interact with the public every day. General Liability insurance can shield your agency against injury and property damage claims from suppliers, delivery people, other health professionals, and other members of the public.

Business Owner’s Policy

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is a combination of policies, combining covers such as General Liability insurance and business personal property coverage, to help protect small businesses from costly interruptions to service.
A BOP can be an affordable and convenient way to insure your equipment and premises, plus manage unplanned business interruptions.

Hire Employees

You must employ qualified and properly trained home health aides to work in your agency, particularly if your agency is certified to work with Medicare patients.

Connecticut home health aide training requirements include:

• 75 hours of instruction (with at least 16 hours in a clinical setting)
• Passing a competency exam
• Passing a comprehensive background check (As the employer, you will need to run a background check on each new hire providing home care services)

Grow Your Home Care Business

Without patients, your agency won’t last long! Finding a steady stream of customers is essential to keep your agency running and growing. Marketing your home health agency is how you will do this.

There are many ways to market a home health agency, from traditional advertising to word-of-mouth referrals. Using a combination of methods, like those listed below, could help you build and grow your home care business:

• Ask for referrals – Patients can be referred to you from almost anywhere. Family and friends, existing patients, and health professionals may be good places to start.
• Create ads – Advertising has grown beyond traditional media (like TV, radio, and newspapers). You may also place ads online or in local publications.
• Brochures and flyers – These could be placed in doctor waiting rooms, at senior centers, or at organizations with older members. Be sure to ask for permission before leaving behind your materials.
• Website and social media – People now expect businesses to have an online presence. Creating a professional website and business accounts on relevant social media platforms can make it easier for people to find your agency online and learn about your services.
• Get out in the community – Many agencies also advertise at in-person events. You might set up a booth at your local farmer’s market or community event where you can meet potential clients face-to-face.

Insurance Solutions for Home Health Agencies

Starting a home health agency in Connecticut could be an excellent way to serve a growing need in your community. Consider business insurance to help you protect the hard work you’ve put into getting your home health care license, providing home health aide certifications meeting Connecticut’s standards, and growing your home care business.

BizInsure has coverage tailored to Connecticut home health agencies from A-rated insurers. With competitive prices and an easy application process, you can buy instant coverage for your agency in minutes.

Compare instant quotes now and see if you can save with BizInsure!