Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave
Arch Insurance offers Massachusetts employers disability benefits that meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law.
Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) in Massachusetts
Arch Insurance Group Inc., a market leader in statutory disability and paid family leave, has developed an insured product to meet the specifications of Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law. The product is built specifically for Massachusetts employers who wish to file for a “Private Plan Exemption.”
Massachusetts Law
MGL c.175M Paid Family Medical Leave establishes a system for paid family leave.
All Massachusetts employers are automatically enrolled into the state plan for PFML coverage. Employers are required to submit quarterly contributions (deductions from payroll) to the state at the end of each quarter. Employers who file for a private plan exemption and receive approval from the state are then exempt from state contributions beginning the first date of the quarter immediately following. Employers remain exempt from state contributions for any future quarters in which they retain an approved private plan for their employees. Employers who file for an exemption that is approved by the state must show proof of a private plan that, at a minimum, pays equal or greater benefits.
What’s Covered Under Massachusetts PFML?
- Caring for your own serious health condition as certified by a health care provider, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition as certified by a health care provider, including illness, injury, or pregnancy/childbirth
- Bonding with your child during the first 12 months after birth, adoption, or placement
- Managing affairs while a family member is on active duty
- Caring for a family member who was injured serving in the armed forces
Visit the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Website.
Useful Links for Massachusetts PFML
All links to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave website open in a new window.
Massachusetts Private Plan Details
- In order to participate in a private plan, the employer must opt out of the state plan. This process includes: completing the application, providing all required documentation and paying the exemption fee.
- The Plan may be responsible for benefits to unemployed individuals who have been separated from the company fewer than 26 weeks and meet certain eligibility requirements at the time of separation.
- Employee benefits are based on each employee’s two highest earning quarters over the last year.
- Employers are limited to how much they can withhold from an employee.
Private plans must include the full list of all requirements per the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave website.
Filing an Exemption to the State Program
Employers can submit one private plan application per quarter. If your application is denied, you must wait until the next quarter to refile. When filing an exemption, employers must:
Review the Massachusetts private plan guidelines to ensure your plan is comparable to or richer than the state plan. Employers can send their proposed plan to Arch for review and feedback before submitting to Massachusetts.
Submit the application electronically via the MassTaxConnect portal.
Log into the MassTaxConnect portal to review the decision (email notification sent within two business days) and begin the next steps.
If Your Exemption is Approved
You will receive a letter detailing the next steps, including information on how to provide a surety bond if self-insuring. Employers must wait at least one year before making any changes to a private plan.
If Your Exemption is Denied
Employers will be notified of the reason for denials of your private plan application. You can request a follow-up review if there is a good-faith belief that the application does in fact meet the requirements. If it does not meet the requirements, applicants can refile a new plan application the following quarter.
Additional Resources
-
MA PFML Fact Sheet for Employers
This guide provides detailed information about Massachusetts’ Paid Family and Medical Leave program.
-
MA PFML Fact Sheet for Employees
This guide provides information for employees who need to file a paid family and medical leave claim in Massachusetts.
-
MA Paid Family & Medical Leave Product Sheet
Arch Insurance Group, a market leader in the statutory disability and paid family leave markets, has developed an insured product to meet the specifications of the new Massachusetts PFML law. The product is built specifically for Massachusetts employers who wish to file for a “Private Plan Exemption.”
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.