Healthy Boiler

Additional backup care days with no copay in October, November with Care@Work benefit

As part of the partnership with Care.com, Purdue employees have an added benefit in October and November – additional back-up days for faculty and staff use with $0 copays!

Purdue University knows how stressful it can be when regular childcare falls through – especially when work can’t be missed. Situations like those are among the reasons the Care@Work benefit, which supports the work-life integration of the Healthy Boiler Program, was added for Purdue employees.

During the months of October and November, Purdue employees can arrange for vetted backup care for children with their Care@Work benefits and pay no copay. Book now!

When it comes to children, caregiveres need to be prepared for anything. From school holidays to the nanny’s vacation, or other gaps in care, Care@Work has families covered. Individuals have access to in-home or in-center vetted and subsidized care for their children when their regular care is not available.

Use backup care for children when:

  • School is closed
  • Babysitter or nanny is sick or on vacation
  • Work runs late or business travel occurs
  • Daycare is closed

Personal Network Backup Care
At Care.com we understand that an individual’s go-to sitter or center of choice may not be in the care.com network. If someone wishes to use an existing, out-of-network child caregiver or center, Personal Network Backup Care allows for more flexibility and choice.

Personal Network is a great option for the backup care for children benefit. Individuals can use a caregiver or center of their choice and be easily reimbursed for a portion of the costs that exceed their co-pay by submitting an online claim through Care.com.

Please keep in mind, unlike when a Care.com in-network backup care provider is selected, when an individual uses a a caregiver or center from their personal network, they are fully responsible for vetting, scheduling, paying and otherwise engaging with the caregiver or center. Visit Care.com’s Safety Center for guidelines on hiring safely.

Purdue University employees have up to 10 backup care days to use annually during the program window. However, during the months of October and November 2021, they have 15 backup care days available with $0 per hour copays for in-home and $0 per day per child copays for in-center care.

Frequently Asked Questions

See below for a list of frequently asked questions:

How does it work?

Head to purdue.care.com or call 855.781.1303. Follow the prompts to complete your request for in-home or in-center backup care. Our team will work quickly to identify a caregiver or center that meets your needs. A care specialist will contact you directly to answer any questions you may have and confirm the booking.

When can I use Backup Care?

Backup care should be used when your regular care is not available during work hours. In-home child backup care is available for your newborn to teenage children. In-center backup care is available for center-aged children during center hours, which may vary. Adult care is available in either your home or the home of the adult needing care. For new adult care requests, an in-home assessment is conducted before starting care.

How are in-home child backup care providers screened?

All caregivers are vetted and required to complete orientation and health and safety training. Their screening process includes: child care reference checks, video or in-person interviews, Criminal Background Check, National Sex Offender Public Website Check, name and address verification via SSN and U.S. work eligibility verification.

How does Care@Work screen backup care centers?

Our dedicated staff thoroughly vets each facility before it becomes an approved backup care center in our network. Centers must be state licensed, perform criminal background checks on the teachers and staff they employ, check against the National Sex Offender Registry, check against Central Abuse and Neglect Registry, and confirm eligibility to work in the U.S.

How are adult backup care providers screened?

Care@Work’s network of adult care agencies maintains a rigorous screening process for care providers they employ. Providers may be certified nurse’s aides, home health aides or experienced elder care companions, and will have at least two professional references and a criminal Background Check in accordance with state guidelines.

How much advance notice must I give?

Backup care with an in-home provider can be requested up to 90 days in advance, while in-center backup care can be requested up to 30 days in advance. It’s best to book backup care as soon as you know you have a need so care.com can secure a provider or center that meets your needs. Care.com prefers at least 24 hours’ notice prior to the date of care, when possible.

Can I talk to the caregiver beforehand?

Yes, this is encouraged. You and the in-home caregiver should feel comfortable with each other prior to the day of care. They will call prior to providing care to make an introduction. You may also contact your backup care center prior to the day of care.

How do I pay for backup care?

The credit card you have on file will be charged after care takes place. Part of your backup care is subsidized, so you are only responsible for your co-pay.

Are there tax considerations for subsidized care?

Back up child-care subsidies are considered a taxable benefit. Annually, Constellation will deduct taxes based on the imputed income (value) of the subsidized payments for the childcare. The Care.com premium membership is not a taxable benefit.

What’s the cancellation policy?

For in-home care, your credit card will be charged $30 if you cancel after your reservation is confirmed. If your caregiver has already arrived or is on their way, you will be charged $60. If you cancel a center reservation within 24 hours, you will be charged your daily co-pay, and it will be counted toward your allotted days.

What kind of information do I need to provide to submit a claim?

  • Date and time of care
  • Who received care
  • Why you needed Backup Care
  • Receipt for care that took place
  • The amount you paid for care
  • Who provided the care and their contact information

More information