Employer resources to support your child

Health benefits typically include medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage. Here’s what each may offer:

Medical coverage covers care including:

• Regular checkups (called “well-child” visits)
• Doctor appointments if your child is sick or injured
• Emergency room visits
• Many medical and surgical procedures
• Lab services (like bloodwork)
• Well-child visits and vaccines are free, since these are preventive care. Well-child visits are an important chance to focus on prevention, learn about your child’s development, and talk through any questions or concerns you have.

With sick visits and other types of care, you may have a co-pay or have costs from co-insurance or your deductible.

Prescription coverage is included as a benefit in all medical plans. The medicines that a plan covers (called the “formulary”) can be found on the health plan’s website.

Covered prescriptions may require a co-pay. In high-deductible health plans, you may need to pay for the prescription as part of your deductible before the health plan’s coverage starts.

Dental coverage may be included in medical benefits, or as a separate dental insurance plan. Dental coverage often covers:

• Routine exams, cleanings, x-rays
• Procedures such as root canals, fillings, oral surgery

Vision coverage is usually a separate insurance plan. Vision coverage often covers:

• Eye exams and check-ups
• Prescription lenses
• Eye surgery

Resources, information, and counseling (phone or in-person) can support your child’s emotional growth. Here are some programs your employer may offer.

Mental health coverage: Some health plans cover services including:

• • Visits with mental health providers
  • Cognitive and behavioral therapy
  • Grief
  • Divorce and family counselingMental health prescription drug costs

Employee assistance programs (EAPs): EAPs offer personalized assistance through apps, helplines, and video calls. They may help with:

• • Child behavioral issues
  • Short-term counseling
  • Parenting support
  • Childcare resources
  • Estate planning
  • Identity theft services.

Digital mental health apps: Your employer may offer apps that provide evidence-based mental health support and tools that you can access on your own time. This can be a helpful way to care for your mental wellness without one-on-one therapy.

It’s so important to find childcare that supports your child’s safety, social/emotional well-being, physical growth, and learning development. It can be expensive, but your employer may offer help.

Childcare contributions may range from a one-time payment to monthly bonus payments. Employers can give up to $5,000 to each employee’s child without that payment being added to your taxable income.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) is a tax-advantaged account for services like preschool, summer day camp, before and after school programs, and child or adult daycare. The money you contribute is pre-tax, so you’ll get tax savings. But the money expires at the end of the year.

The contribution limits change over time, and your employer may have lower limits. Be sure to research this every year.

• In 2025, if you make less than $155,000, you can contribute up to $2,500 if you’re married and file a separate tax return. Or up to $5,000 if you’re married and file a joint tax return, or if you file as single or head of household.
• If you make $155,000 or more, you can contribute up to $3,600.

Backup childcare (when regular care is suddenly unavailable) can be stressful and difficult to find. Some employers may help by:

• Saving spots in nearby childcare centers on a drop-in basis
• Working with a company that sends trusted caregivers to an employee’s home

Childcare discounts may be available. By partnering with local childcare centers, employers may offer discounted rates. An Employee Assistance Program can also help you search for childcare options based on your preferences.

Your employer may offer other activities and programs that are helpful for your family. Look for offerings like:

• Physical activity classes
• Nutrition education
• Farm-to-table co-ops
• Transportation discounts
• Delivery services
• Meditation apps