Keep in mind that if a neighbor, friend, or acquaintance asks you to help out around his or her home and is willing to pay you for it, you a most likely not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you become injured.

According to Labor Code Section 3352 you are exempt from Workers’ Compensation Benefits if you are employed for fewer than 52 hours or earn less than $100 within 90 days of the calendar year while working in a home-related or personal services type job.

So the next time Mrs. Smith asks you to hang her Christmas Tree Lights for $50 and you fall off the ladder, look to your private insurance for coverage.

The Health Care Reform Legislation recently passed in Washington DC will significantly impact our clients.  By October 1, 2010, Insurance Carriers will be required to offer insurance coverage for dependents up to age 26.  So, your children will now be eligible to stay on your insurance until they are 26.  No longer do your children need to stay in school to be covered. Coverage now is based upon solely on age. It is also important to note that marriage is not a factor that would exclude your children from your policy. As long as your child is under age 26, they can be covered on your health plan, whether they are married or not. The spouse of your child would not be eligible for coverage.

For our younger clients who do not have health insurance, it is important to discuss coverage options with your parents. Changes to the Workers’ Compensation Laws have made it difficult to get much needed medical care on a timely basis. Sometimes coverage through private health insurance is necessary to obtain treatment. The Health Care Reform Legislation may make a difference.

Lisa E. Ivancich