Provider FAQ

Why should I apply to join the ElderCarelink network?
TheElderCarelink program is one of the most cost-effective ways for eldercare providers to market their products and services. Eldercare providers face unique challenges in their marketing and advertising efforts as they search for profitable vehicles to identify and reach people "in need." TV, radio, and print ads typically are very costly with an average cost per lead ranging from $100 to $1,000; direct mail and e-mail have also become less effective as more people ignore these overused vehicles; and telemarketing has been radically affected by the "Do Not Call" lists. Finally, all of these methods typically result in Gross Inquiries not Qualified Leads. With the internet becoming one of the most utilized tools for consumers in search of eldercare options, providers need to identify marketing strategies that allow them to tap into this growing opportunity. The problem is that self-administered internet advertising programs for exclusive use tend to be cost prohibitive. Providers end up paying a very high price per lead and spend too much time and money qualifying the prospects that they do get. That's where ElderCarelink steps in - by outsourcing this effort to us, you immediately increase your return-on-investment (ROI) because you're only paying for what you define as qualified leads. This allows you to focus your spending on sales while we bring you the qualified prospects at a fraction of the cost of other marketing programs.

Who Pays for the Service?
ElderCarelink is an internet-based referral service which is free to consumers. Participating providers pay a set fee for each lead they receive fromElderCarelink. Each consumer inquiry thatElderCarelink receives through its on-line needs survey is matched against the customer profile the provider has on file withElderCarelink. Participating providers only pay for the leads that match their profile.ElderCarelink does not share in any revenue associated with purchases made by consumers through its service

How much will each lead cost?
Fees charged to participating providers are assessed equally against and collected equally from all participating providers and are only based on the cost of operating the Service and not on the volume or value of any such referrals. Prices for leads are determined based upon the number and nature of the qualifying screens performed as well as the administrative cost to ElderCarelink associated with account set-up and distribution of leads. The pricing methodology used byElderCarelink is the same for all providers. Generally speaking, the less screens performed the lower the price per lead.

How many leads will each provider receive per month?
The number of leads that a provider will receive is dependent upon many variables, including but not limited to the type of provider, service area covered, and payment arrangements accepted.ElderCarelink receives thousands of eldercare related inquiries per month from across the United States. Large national providers of products and services with limited screening requirements may be eligible to receive thousands of leads per month, while a local home care provider may only receive a handful. If you are approved for participation,ElderCarelink will work with you to optimize the number of leads you can receive. Remember - you only pay for the leads that match your profile

What are ElderCarelink’s provider participation standards?
ElderCarelink requires that all providers who are interested in participating in the program complete an on-line application. Information from this application is used by ElderCarelink to determine eligibility for the program. Participation standards vary by provider type, but minimally all require verification of applicable licensing to conduct business for which a provider is seeking leads. A full description of Participation Standards can be found by clicking Participation Standards. For more information on any requirements for your specific provider type please contactElderCarelink directly via email at newproviders@eldercarelink.com.

On what types of criteria can a provider screen?
Beyond geography and payment terms, providers can screen on a wide range of criteria including: urgency of need, demographics, general medical conditions, financial budget and other case specific data. Each screen, however, adds an additional cost to the per-lead fee.

How many providers receive each lead?
Any particular inquiry can be referred to several providers. ElderCarelink does limit the number of providers within a particular type that are passed along to an individual user, through a proprietary matching program that selects up to five (5) provider matches within a category.

Can a provider limit the amount per month spent on leads?
Yes. Participating providers can set a “cap” or monthly budget for ElderCarelink referrals which will automatically shut off referrals in a month once the maximum allowable limit has been reached.

If I am a Medicare or Medicaid provider can I participate in the program?
Yes. This program is in compliance with Medicare’s Fraud and Abuse Anti-kickback Statutes safe harbor provisions and accompanying regulations pertaining to referral services.

Is there any minimum participation period?
Unlike many similar programs, there is no need to commit for 6 months or a year. The ElderCarelink contract is a rolling contract which means that a provider may terminate participation at any time with one (1) business day's notice.

Do I have to offer a discount or special rate to customer leads I receive from ElderCarelink?
No. In fact, we prohibit providers from making special offers. Our contract requires that Participating Providers charge ElderCarelink users in accordance with the provider’s usual and customary fee structure and pricing methods without regard to whether the consumer was referred from our program.

Does it cost anything to apply to join?
If you are interested in participating, submitting an initial application costs you nothing. If your initial application is approved, you will be asked to provide us with some additional information as well as an authorization to perform certain background checks. If you choose to move forward and join, there is a one time $300.00 set-up fee which covers the cost of such background checks as well as the set up of your on-line Provider Account which enables you to receive qualified leads.

Does a Provider have to sign a contract to participate?
Each participating provider is required to accept the terms of ElderCarelink’s standard Provider Agreement through an on-line authorization as part of their account set-up. The terms of the contract are the same for all providers. The lead fees will be unique for each contract based on the screening criteria, however, all fees are based on a standard fee schedule and methodology, so that no provider is disadvantaged. ElderCarelink does not negotiate individual contracts.

As a participating provider, am I able to modify my lead selection criteria?
Prior to activation of a provider's account, each participating provider works with anElderCarelink representative to establish a mutually agreed upon set of screening requirements. Based on this criteria initial lead pricing is set. During the term of participation, providers may request changes to this criteria to remove or add screens. Such changes must be submitted in writing, and providers may be subject to fee changes associated with those modifications. Providers may also request expansion of their service area, which must be approved byElderCarelink.ElderCarelink will not deny requests for service area reductions, howeverElderCarelink reserves the right to reject any requests for service area expansion at any time.