Benefits package expands to include backup care

Benefits package expands to include backup care

BY JESSICA JOHNS POOL
Rice News staff

Rice employees have a new option in their benefits package — backup care. The benefit allows an employee to hire a temporary caregiver for any family member for up to 100 hours per year beginning July 1.

The cost to employees is $2 per hour per child for center-based care and $4 an hour for home care for up to three dependents. Employees are billed directly for the time used by the provider, Work Options Group.

“Say your spouse is home after surgery and you need to attend a meeting at work,” said Elaine Britt, director of benefits in Rice’s Department of Human Resources. “You can call Backup Care to get someone to care for your spouse. It’s not just backup for child care.”

Care for infants to elderly

The coverage applies to sick or well infants, children and adults who depend on the employee. Adult family members do not have to be living with the employee, so the benefit is available to employees caring for out-of-town parents. Care can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance or in an emergency.

Work Options Group partners with licensed child-care centers, nanny agencies and in-home health-care agencies. Caregivers must pass background and reference checks and have CPR and first-aid training and relevant experience. Bright Horizons backup childcare benefit is still available too.

Registration is required before the first care appointment is scheduled. To register, visit www.workoptionsgroup.com or call 800-557-0847. The call center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Care is available throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada.

Call any member of the benefits team for more information or visit the Backup Care Options page.