Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance
Maine employers can access disability benefits through a private plan that meets the requirements of the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program.
Coming Soon for Maine Employees
Arch Insurance Group Inc., a market leader in statutory disability and paid family leave markets, may provide private plan insurance to Maine employers who wish to use an alternative to the state program.
Maine 2023 Public Law Chapter 412*
Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program was enacted July 11, 2023, through 2023 Public Law Chapter 412, Part AAA. The law, which was effective October 25, 2023, will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for all eligible employers and their employees. Federal employers and their employees are exempt. Employees who earned at least six times the state average weekly wage (SAWW) over the prior four quarters prior to taking leave are eligible. Leave may be taken on a continuous, intermittent or reduced schedule basis. Employers with fewer than 15 employees are exempted from employer share of contributions but still must withhold 50% of premium from employee wages. Benefits are tiered based on the SAWW — the first 50% of the SAWW is replaced at 90% and the balance is replaced at 66% up to the SAWW maximum.
* Maine PFML program information is subject to change.
What’s Covered Under Maine’s PFML Program?
Under the Maine PFML program, an eligible employee may take time away from work for:
- Family leave: To care for a new child (birth, adoption, fostering) or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
- Medical leave: To care for one’s own medical needs.
- Safe leave: For victims of domestic abuse.
- Military deployment: For emergencies related to military deployment (qualifying exigency).
Timetable for Maine PFML
| Date (subject to change) | requirement |
|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | Rulemaking process begins. |
| Jan. 1, 2025* | Rules adopted by Maine Department of Labor. State plan contributions begin. |
| May 1, 2026* | Benefits are set to begin. |
| *Proposed Dates |
State Plan Benefit Duration
Under the state plan, up to 12 weeks of combined total leave may be taken within a benefit year.
Equivalent Private Plan Details
Maine employers may apply for private plan exemption with the state. The private plan may be self-funded or fully insured and must be substantially equivalent to the state plan. Employers who wish to use a private plan must obtain state approval.
Employers with approved private plans will not be required to make state plan contributions. Employers may require employee contributions up to 50% of the cost of the program, and this amount may not be more than is required under the state plan.
Contact Us
Corporate Contact
Thomas Foschino
VP, Accident and Health
Sales Contact
Julie Lung
Business Development Manager
Underwriting Contact
Jim Iannicelli
Assistant Vice President, Disability Underwriting
Information
Insurance coverage is underwritten by a member company of Arch Insurance Group Inc. This is only a brief description of the insurance coverage(s) available under the policy. The policy contains reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Full details of the coverage are contained in the policy. If there are any conflicts between this document and the policy, the policy shall govern. Not all coverages are available in all jurisdictions.