The Department of Financial Regulation has approved the Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance Plan (VT-FMLI) coverages and rates filed by The Hartford, a private insurance carrier who was selected to deliver and administer the program benefits, the Scott administration said today.
A House bill to pass universal, mandatory paid leave failed in the Legislature this year as House and Senate leaders opted instead to invest heavily in child care. The bill may return next year.
Phase 1 of the governor’s three-phased program goes into effect on July 1, 2023, when State employees are enrolled in the program.
“This is an important step as we move forward with Vermont’s innovative paid family and medical leave program,” said Governor Scott. “Within two years, every working Vermonter and employer will have access to this affordable program, without relying on a mandatory new tax. It truly will be a win-win.”
The benefits will provide up to six weeks of paid family and medical leave benefits at 60% of an employee’s average weekly wage for an employee’s own serious health condition, bonding with a child, or caring for family members. Employers could opt to expand upon this baseline benefit.
Upon completion of the Phase 1 implementation, the State will work closely with The Hartford to educate and promote Phase 2 (employer groups of two or more) of the program for a July 1, 2024 implementation. “The department expects to receive a product and rate filing for Phase 2 of the program later this year with a goal of approving those programs by year end 2023”, Gaffney added.
The voluntary nature of the program will allow Vermont employers to tailor a plan that suits their needs, the Scott administration.
More information of the Vermont Voluntary Paid Family Leave Program can be found by clicking here.
Categories: State Government
Gov. Scott is to be credited for his insistence that this perquisite NOT be mandatory.
It is just that, a perk, a benefit offered by an employer, like free parking, a company car, all the coffee you can drink or paid vacation time…just part of the package of benefits that a prospective employee can use to attract quality employees. If paid time off is important to you, then it is part of the decision you make. It NEVER should have been considered as a government mandate.
“…every working Vermonter and employer will have access to this affordable program, without relying on a mandatory new tax. It truly will be a win-win.” Key word “affordable” meaning there is a premium to be paid if you want the coverage. If anyone has received COBRA paperwork when unemployed, the “affordable” premium for continued health coverage is as sad as it is laughable. Anything to do with healthcare or health insurance is a scam to the premium payer. The collusion between health providers, health insurance companies, and government is not at all about health…it’s all about profit for them. The death cult legalized theft in the name of health and ensures customers for life. All the while, we find that slowly, but surely, it means poisoning people and experimenting on people like human lab rats – that is what “their” coverage is all about within the confines of their agreements.