The state of Maryland's program is in development. The Hartford will provide timely updates on this page as details emerge.
Key Dates
Oct. 1, 2024: Employee contributions to the state program are scheduled to begin.
Jan. 1, 2026: Employees are expected to start receiving benefits.
Tools and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s Covered Under the State Program?
- Care for a new child (through birth, adoption, kinship care or foster placement) during the first year after birth, adoption, kinship care or foster placement.
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition.
- A covered individual’s own serious health condition that results in their inability to perform the functions of their position.
- Care for a service member who is the covered individual’s next of kin.
- A qualifying military exigency resulting from the deployment of a service member who is related to the covered individual.
What Are the State Plan Benefits?
- Up to 12 weeks combined Family or Medical Leave.*
- Up to 90% of the employee's average weekly wages, up to 65% of the statewide average weekly wage, plus 50% of anything greater. The statewide average weekly wage for 2022 is $1,338, which is subject to change each year.
- The weekly maximum benefit beginning January 1, 2026, is $1,000.
* Plus 12 additional weeks for certain leaves for one’s own serious health condition and bonding in the same application year.
How Is the State Program Funded?
The contribution rate is .90% of covered wages up to the Social Security Wage Cap, split equally between employees and employers with 15 or more workers.
What Are the State Plan Eligibility Requirements?
A covered employee is someone who has worked at least 680 hours over the 12-month period immediately preceding the date on which the leave is to begin.
Employees are covered if they are employed by a person or governmental entity that employs at least one individual in the state.
Do All Employers Need To Participate?
The law requires employers with one or more employees to participate in the program, with very limited exceptions.
Is There a Private Plan Option?
Yes. The State is establishing private plan requirements and will approve plans in the future. Private plans must have the same, or better, benefits and not cost employees more than they would contribute to the state program. Once approved for a private plan, employees and employers covered by the private plan do not have to contribute to the MD FMLI program.
Is The Hartford Offering Fully Insured Coverage in MD?
Yes. The Hartford offers fully insured coverage as well as administrative services on self-insured private plans for new customers with policies effective January 1, 2026, or later.
Please reach out to your employee benefits representative at The Hartford for additional information.
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This informational material is subject to change as The Hartford continues to receive guidance from states and municipalities. It shall not be considered legal advice. The Hartford assumes no responsibility for legal compliance with respect to an employer’s business practices, and the views and recommendations contained herein shall not constitute The Hartford’s undertaking on a company’s behalf, or for the benefit of others, to determine or warrant that an employer’s business operations are in compliance with any law, rule, or regulation. Employers seeking resolution of specific legal or business issues, questions, or concerns regarding this topic should consult their own attorney or business advisors; and employees should continue to consult their employers’ Human Resources or other employment benefits department for guidance on the application of any law, rule, or regulation.
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