Sun Life US has expanded its Family Leave Insurance (FLI) to Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina, increasing the number of states where it offers the coverage to 11. A news release highlighted that the expansion aims to provide more workers with access to paid family leave benefits, particularly in states that do not have government-mandated leave programs.
With the addition of these four states, Sun Life now offers FLI in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The program provides fully insured leave coverage, allowing employers to offer paid family leave without the financial risks associated with self-funding.
“We believe no one should have to choose between their job and caring for a loved one,” said Joi Tillman, president of group benefits at Sun Life US. “While the Family and Medical Leave Act provides unpaid leave up to 12 weeks, many employees have the difficult decision of whether they can afford to take time off to tend to their families. With FLI, employers can choose to offer paid family leave benefits in a structure that aligns with their business and gives employees the ability to return to work less stressed and ready to be productive.”
Sun Life’s Family Leave Insurance is designed to support both employees and employers. Workers gain access to paid time off for family care needs, while businesses benefit from enhanced employee retention and a more stable workforce. The coverage is particularly beneficial for small and mid-sized employers that may struggle to provide paid leave benefits on their own.
“We now offer FLI in 11 states across the US. This will contribute to economic growth by attracting more workers to these regions and supporting the return-to-work process for those who go on leave,” said Sheila Sokolski, vice president of product strategy and portfolio management at Sun Life U.S. “In addition to giving workers access to paid leave, FLI gives employers a powerful tool for talent recruitment and retention, as more professionals seek a robust benefits offering when considering jobs.”
Sun Life’s FLI includes online claims submission and employer tracking features to help manage employee leave and support workforce planning. The company highlighted its advocacy for broader paid leave access, working with state programs and supporting legislative efforts to expand employer tax credits for paid leave.
The news release noted that the expanded FLI coverage is available for quoting in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina as of February 1, with additional states expected to approve filings later in 2025.
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