Governor Phil Scott and The Hartford today announced the launch of open enrollment for the third and final phase of the Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program. For the first time, self-employed individuals and workers without employer-provided coverage can voluntarily enroll in the paid leave program, which offers partial income replacement during qualifying family or medical events.

Enrollment opens today and runs through May 31, 2025, with coverage beginning January 1, 2026.

“This paid family and medical leave benefit has proven its value to Vermont because it’s affordable,” said Governor Scott. “I’m appreciative of The Hartford’s willingness to work with us to bring this voluntary program to working Vermonters without raising taxes to do so.”

Eligible individuals can receive up to six weeks of paid leave with 60% income replacement—capped at $2,031.92 per week—under a wide range of circumstances, including:

• Birth or adoption of a child, or foster care placement
• Caring for a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or in-law
• Personal serious health condition that prevents working
• Military exigencies or care for injured service members

Kim Rudeen, head of Absence Management for Employee Benefits at The Hartford, highlighted the company’s role in administering the benefit. “The Hartford is proud to partner with Vermont to initiate a new phase of its innovative Family and Medical Leave Insurance program,” she said. “Our leave programs help ease the financial stress that can come with taking time off from work, supporting employees when they need it the most.”

Interested Vermonters can access quotes and enroll through a self-service digital platform hosted by The Hartford. While the standard enrollment window ends May 31, individuals facing special circumstances may qualify for late enrollment.

This final rollout phase follows two earlier stages: Phase One began in July 2023 with coverage for state employees, while Phase Two expanded access in July 2024 to private and public employers with two or more workers.

For more information or to enroll, visit the Vermont FMLI Individual Purchasing Program website.