For many families, the arrival of a newborn is a joyful occasion — but when a baby requires care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), those first days or weeks can be filled with added uncertainty and stress. In recognition of the unique challenges that NICU families face, Colorado is expanding Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) benefits under the required Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.
Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado’s FAMLI program will provide 12 weeks of paid leave to parents whose newborns need neonatal intensive care. This expansion — introduced under Senate Bill 25-144 — is in addition to the existing 12 weeks of PFML benefits under the Colorado FAMLI program, as well as the additional 4 weeks available for birthing parents who experience complications during pregnancy or childbirth, bringing the total potential leave to up to 28 weeks for eligible parents. In other words, the Neonatal Care Leave benefit allows parents to save their bonding leave for those precious moments when their baby gets released from the hospital.
By creating a new leave category, called Neonatal Care Leave, Colorado is providing real, tangible support to parents who need to be fully present for their child’s medical care, without the added pressure of lost wages or job insecurity.
Key Information About the Upcoming Neonatal Care Leave Benefit
- Effective Date: Applies to leave starting on or after January 1, 2026
- Duration: Offers up to 12 additional weeks of paid leave for NICU care
- Eligibility: Available to eligible parents of newborns receiving inpatient hospital care in a neonatal intensive care unit
- Total Paid Leave: Combined with Colorado’s existing FAMLI benefit, eligible parents may receive up to 28 weeks of paid leave
Stay Tuned for Updates
Details on how to apply for this new Neonatal Care Leave are still to come. Currently, Colorado is still finalizing the rollout of this new benefit.
To stay informed, sign up for updates from ShelterPoint.
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This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal counsel. Please consult with an appropriate professional for legal and compliance advice. Any program information is based on our knowledge and understanding of CO’s applicable laws and regulations as of the publication date and may change as regulations evolve or CO issues updated guidance. Further, this material is for illustrative purposes only, providing a general overview of the services described. It is not a contract nor intended as an offer of coverage.
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The Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act § 8-13.3-501 et seq., C.R.S and its implementing regulations including 7 CCR 1107-1, et seq. govern this Private Plan and its interpretation and administration. Available in CO only.
Underwritten by: ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (principal office in Garden City, NY) in: CO (form# SPL PFMLP 0123 CO).