Updated with new instructions as of November 19, 2020
Massachusetts employers who have filed for a Fully-Insured Private Plan Exemption for their Massachusetts Paid Family & Medical Leave coverage must submit their paperwork on MassTaxConnect between November 30, 2020, and December 31, 2020. As the deadline to renew your exemption is fast approaching, the MA Department of Paid Family & Medical Leave (DFML) just released a new form that needs to be completed. Here is what you need to know to complete your application on time before the deadline!
Existing Fully-Insured Private Plan Exemptions have been extended to December 31, 2020.
Upload the “Confirmation of Policy Form Number Form” from the Carrier effective on January 1, 2021, on MassTaxConnect.
The DFML advised renewals should not be filed prior to November 30, 2020, so you now have between November 30 and December 31, 2020, to file your update.
- Complete annual exemption application to the DFML. The application is available through MassTaxConnect.
- Follow instructions for the renewal application at MassTaxConnect – and upload the completed new form, the “Confirmation of Insured Policy Form Number” form.
- You can find detailed instructions to renew your fully insured exemption on the MA state site here.
It is important to not wait until the last minute to file your exemption application, to give the DFML time to review and approve your application by December 31, 2020, so that your exemption is effective January 1st, 2020
If you don’t have an existing Private Plan Exemption - yet
If you’re looking into Private Plans now but don’t have an exemption yet, first you will need to apply for private coverage with your selected carrier before filing your Private Plan Exemption.
How to Apply for an Exemption
To apply for an exemption, you will need to upload the completed new “Confirmation of Insured Policy Form Number” form as part of the revised application process. Get detailed instructions to apply for a fully insured exemption here.
You can apply for a Private Plan Exemption at any time, but Private Plan elections can only be made effective the first day of the quarter following your approved exemption. Please note you must continue to make contributions to MA DFML Trust Fund up to the effective date of your new Private Plan exemption.
Employers who do not plan to renew their Private Plan Exemption
You will need to call the PFML Contact Center at (617) 466-3950 or send a message through MassTaxConnect. Private plans are exempt from paying into the State Fund . If you do not plan to renew your exemption before January 1, 2021, you would be responsible for paying contribution into the State Trust Fund retroactive to October 1, 2019.
We are here to help you every step of the way. Sign up for updates to keep up with the latest changes from Massachusetts. And if you have a specific Massachusetts Paid Family & Medical Leave question, reach out to us at PFL@shelterpoint.com.
This blog post 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 Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is as of the blog post’s date stamp; it is based on the applicable statutes and regulation, and may change as regulations evolve or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts issues guidance regarding PFML regulations.
The ShelterPoint family of companies operates under the “ShelterPoint” name strictly as a marketing name, and no legal significance is expressed or implied. The ShelterPoint family of companies consists of ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company, a NY-domiciled carrier, and its wholly-owned subsidiary ShelterPoint Insurance Company, a FL-domiciled carrier, depending on the state. ShelterPoint is a registered service mark.
Massachusetts Paid Family & Medical Leave is available in MA only and will be underwritten by: ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (a New York-domiciled carrier): Form# SPL PFMLP 0820 MA