Supporting Your Nanny’s Well-being: Providing a Health and Dental Benefits Plan for Domestic Employees
So you have a nanny or caregiver who feels like a part of the family. That’s great! Now, let’s show them how much they mean to you by providing them with health and dental benefits. Why? Because a happy and healthy nanny leads to a healthy household, creating a smoother experience for everyone involved. Let’s discuss how you can put together a benefits package that matches the awesomeness of your employee.
Why Invest in Benefits for Your Nanny?
Offering a solid benefits package is not a bonus – it’s like receiving a shiny gold star on your employer report card. Providing health perks helps retain your caregiver by keeping them healthier and showing they are valued. It’s all about bringing a smile to your nanny’s face daily, just as they do for your children.
The New Norm in Nanny Care
Times are changing, and with national programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan raising awareness, health benefits are on everyone’s radar. Nowadays, superstar nannies may expect premiums for extended health and dental benefits to be covered, and even if they don’t, offering this can make you stand out as an employer. It’s not just a perk—it’s a must-have to attract and retain the best care for your kids. Considering the tangible and intangible costs to replace a valued employee (such as time lost during the transition, hiring, and training for a replacement), benefits that help keep employees healthy in mind and body are a plus for everyone!
Tax-Free Perks
Here’s some excellent news: The health and dental benefits you offer are non-taxable in most provinces! This means your nanny gets the full benefit without any tax deductions. They enjoy essential health and/or dental services without the financial pinch when tax season rolls around.
What’s in the Plan?
Here’s what you can typically find in employees’ health and dental benefits packages. Keep in mind that some plans will not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Health Insurance: This is the foundation of any well-rounded benefits plan. It covers appointments, and some of those “just in case” scenarios we all hope to avoid. But it’s not just about emergencies; it also focuses on preventive care. Regular checkups and vaccinations can help your nanny stay healthy and ready for activities like playtime trips to the park and even flu season.
- Dental Insurance: Everyone deserves to have a winning smile. The package can include regular checkups, cleanings, and filling cavities. Consider this—dental health is important, and with a dental plan, your nanny can maintain their oral health without worry. Detecting issues early can prevent more serious health concerns later, ensuring that pearly whites stay healthy.
- Vision Care: If your nanny relies on their glasses as much as their morning coffee, adding vision care is a smart move. This part of the benefits package offers some coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and treatments for eye conditions. Ensuring your childcare provider has a clear view of the world is table stakes, especially when engaging with children through storytelling or supervising them in the playground.
- Mental Health Services: It’s no secret that life can bring its share of stress for everyone. Taking care of your nanny’s well-being is as important as looking after their physical health. Offering access to counselling and therapy sessions helps to support them in being their best selves at work and in their personal lives.
- Prescription Drug Coverage: Medications without the hassle at a reduced price tag. Whether it’s antibiotics for illnesses or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, your caregiver won’t have the full cost of prescriptions as another financial constraint.
- Virtual Doctor’s Visits: Healthcare at the fingertips, perfect for busy schedules. Telemedicine appointments offer convenience and flexibility by allowing your caregiver to consult with healthcare professionals from home or on the go. They can discuss symptoms and get advice without the hassle of visiting a clinic in person—ideal for early detection or when visiting a medical facility is too hard.
- Virtual Physiotherapy: Helping with rehabilitation after injury or for prevention without leaving the house. Whether recovering from an injury or taking steps to prevent one, this service is a valuable resource for promoting physical well-being and ensuring your employee remains active and free from discomfort.
- Rewards Program: Establishing routines becomes more manageable with a little extra motivation! Some plans offer a rewards program that encourages healthy lifestyle choices with some fun incentives.
NannyTax Makes It Easy
Setting up a health and dental plan is easy with NannyTax. We can point you in the right direction with different levels of coverage for your employee(s). There are options to cover only one person, a couple, or a family. Decide how much of the premium you want to cover, and we’ll handle the rest, reimbursing the premium through your caregiver’s payroll. It’s hassle-free, leaving you and your nanny to focus on fun times with the kids!
Wrapping it Up
Investing in a health and dental benefits package through NannyTax is more than just a perk; it’s an investment in your employee’s well-being and satisfaction and your family’s happiness. It shows you are committed to providing the best work environment possible.
So, why not make a move that benefits everyone? Contact us today at taxquestions@nannytax.ca or toll-free at 1-877-626-6982 to learn more. Here’s to a healthier, happier home where everyone thrives!
Credits: Photo by Leeloo The First: https://www.pexels.com/photo/health-insurance-scrabble-tiles-on-planner-7163955/
