Paid Family and Medical Leave Private Plan Exemption Deadline

Author: Jenifer M. Pinkham

Under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (“PFML”), employers may avoid collecting and remitting contributions by establishing a private plan, provided the private plan provides at least the same rights and benefits available under the PFML. Employers should consider the private plan option for a variety of reasons: (1) cost savings and (2) maintaining control and management over employee leaves of absence. Private plans may be self-funded or fully insured and there are many insurance companies already providing quotes on coverage. In order to establish a private plan, an employer must apply annually to the Department of Paid Family and Medical Leave for an exemption. Employers have until December 20, 2019 to apply for an exemption for the quarter covering October 1 – December 31, 2019. Thereafter, applications for exemptions will be accepted on a rolling basis for future quarters. Should you have any questions about the PFML or the exemption process, feel free to contact us.