*This article was written in consultation with Kelly McCarthy.
If your agency license expires between July and September, you may be wondering: Why haven’t we received our renewal notice yet? Will we be fined if it expires before we get the paperwork?
At The Home Health Consultant, we hear these questions every July. Renewing your home health or hospice license is stressful enough without wondering if your paperwork is lost in the mail. But don’t worry, it’s completely normal for there to be a delay in the delivery of your renewal paperwork (if your expiration date is during this time of year).
In this article, you’ll learn:
- exactly when to expect your renewal form
- what to do if your license expires before you receive it
- How to pay for your license renewal
By the end, you’ll feel confident about navigating your renewal without delays or unnecessary stress.
How Often Do California Home Health & Hospice Licenses Renew?
Before diving into the timeline, let’s clarify how often your license actually expires.
Home health licenses in California expire every year, while hospice licenses expire every two years. You’ll receive a renewal notice by mail prior to expiration. Your expiration date is listed on your current license (which should be hanging on the wall in your office).
However if your license expires between July 1st and September 30th, the process works slightly differently due to the state’s fiscal calendar.
Why Don’t Renewal Notices Arrive Before July?
Now that you know when your license expires, let’s address why your renewal form may not arrive when you expect it.
California operates on a state fiscal year from July 1st to June 30th. Each year, the new state budget must be signed by the governor before renewal fees are finalized.
This typically happens between July 10th-16th. Renewal notices are only mailed out after the budget is approved.
So, if your license expires in July or August, you won’t receive your renewal form until late July. Don’t worry—this delay is expected and does not place your agency at risk.
What Happens If My License Expires Before I Get the Renewal Form?
Knowing the cause of delays is helpful, but what does it actually mean for your agency’s operations?
If your license expires between July and August, here’s what you need to know:
- The state honors your current license during this period.
- You will receive your renewal form by the end of July or early August.
- You typically have 45 days from the date on your notice to submit payment before late fees apply.
For example, if your license expires on July 2nd, your renewal form will arrive at the end of July. Your license remains valid through this period while you wait to submit payment and receive your new license.
How Do I Submit My California License Renewal Payment?
Once you receive your renewal form, what comes next?
When your renewal notice arrives:
- Review the fee amount, as it changes yearly after the budget passes.
- Submit both the renewal form and payment by the due date on your notice to avoid late fees.
- If you do not receive your renewal form by August, email CDPH to request a copy.
Payment instructions are included in your renewal packet. Payment is typically submitted by check or money order as directed by CDPH.
Can I Get Help With My License Renewal Process?
If all of this feels overwhelming while you’re managing patients and operations, here’s some good news.
At The Home Health Consultant:
- Administrative compliance program clients receive license renewal assistance free of charge.
- Other agencies can request this service for a small fee to ensure forms are completed and submitted correctly.
Essential Takeaways For Home Health or Hospice Agencies with License Renewals Between July & September
If your home health or hospice license expires between July and September, you won’t get your renewal form until after the new state budget is signed in mid-July.
That means forms usually arrive by late July or early August, and you’ll still have time to submit payment before late fees kick in.
While license renewals can feel stressful, knowing how the state fiscal year works puts you back in control. You can plan ahead and avoid that sinking feeling of “Did I miss something important?”
Here’s what we recommend: As soon as your renewal notice arrives, submit your payment quickly to avoid last-minute issues. And if the notice hasn’t arrived by August, don’t hesitate to reach out to CDPH to request a copy.
Finally, if you want extra support to keep renewals, forms, and compliance from eating up your time and peace of mind, our Administrative Compliance Program is here to help. Upon request, we can handle the renewal process for our members so they can focus on what matters most: growing their agency and caring for their patients.
*Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, legal, financial, or professional advice. No consultant-client relationship is established by engaging with this content. You should seek the advice of a qualified attorney, financial advisor, or other professional regarding any legal or business matters. The consultant assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
