The first invoice often contains more than the hourly line. Some providers add charges for signing you up, checking the caregiver, training them, or setting up a schedule. None of these is wrong by default, but each one should have a name, a reason, and a written answer to whether you pay it once or repeatedly. This page shows how to pull those charges out of the quote and place each one where you can compare it.

Local option: New Plan Care gives families in the St. Louis area in-home help so a parent can stay home: companionship, help with bathing and dressing, meals, and overnight care. Call (314) 405-0887.

Steps

  1. Ask for a written list of every charge that is due before the first shift. Ask for each one by name, not by the word 'fees'. Write the total you are told: ____
  2. Sort each charge into one of four groups: paid once, paid per billing period, paid only when a specific event happens, or paid only if you cancel. Write the group beside each charge.
  3. For each screening or background check charge, ask who runs the check and whether you can see the result or a summary of it. Write the answer: ____
  4. For each training or orientation charge, ask what it covers, how long it lasts, and whether it is repeated when the caregiver changes. Write the answer.
  5. Ask whether any charge appears on the original quote. If it does not, ask why it was added and get the reason in writing.
  6. Ask which charges are refundable if you do not proceed, and which are not. Write each one as refundable or not refundable.

Questions to ask

  • Is every charge on this list named in the agreement, or is any of them an estimate?
  • If the caregiver changes, which charges are charged again?
  • What exactly does the administrative setup charge pay for?
  • Will I receive a receipt for each charge, and what does the receipt show?

Answers to listen for

  • Each charge named, with a one-line reason you can repeat back.
  • A clear statement of which charges repeat and which do not.
  • A list that matches the quote you were given, with any new charge explained in writing.

Signs to walk away

  • A charge described only as 'administrative' or 'processing' with no detail.
  • A charge that appears after the first call and is not on the quote.
  • A request to pay any charge before a written agreement exists.
  • No receipt, or a receipt that does not name each charge.

What to write down

Keep a single sheet with one row per charge. Columns: name, reason, one-time or repeating, refundable or not, and the page or email where the answer is written. Add the total of the one-time charges to the same sheet so you can compare providers on the same basis before you agree to any of them. For how to set up a side-by-side comparison of provider answers, see the Hire a Caregiver in St. Louis: Agency or Direct page.