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Maryland continues to make steady progress on Maryland FAMLI, the state’s name for its Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, as it builds the infrastructure needed to begin paying benefits on January 1, 2028.
With details still taking shape, staying close to developments will help ensure you’re ready to make informed decisions and meet compliance requirements on schedule.
MD PFML Program Elements: What Hasn’t Changed
Although Maryland’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program delay shifted timelines and refined some details, core benefit structures and covered leave reasons remain unchanged:
- Covered leave reasons, such as bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, addressing one’s own serious health condition, and certain military-related needs
- Benefits, including the maximum number of weeks an employee may receive paid leave and benefit calculations, which determine how much wage replacement eligible employees may receive
Proposed regulations regarding claim administration and other details are still under review and have not yet been finalized, so some elements may be adjusted as the rulemaking process continues.
We’ll continue to monitor regulatory developments closely—be sure to sign up for updates to stay in the know as new guidance becomes available.
Maryland EPIP Private Plans and the Declaration of Intent
Employers that intend to meet its Maryland PFML requirements through an Equivalent Plan Insurance Program (EPIP) (Private Plan) rather than the State FAMLI Plan should pay close attention to the Declaration of Intent process once it’s finalized in the upcoming rules.
When the Declaration of Intent period opens (anticipated to be in Fall 2026), employers planning to pursue an EPIP (Private Plan) must formally notify the state of that intent. This is a required step and will play an important role in determining an employer’s contribution and compliance obligations. The state will share more detailed instructions about the Declaration of Intent process at a later date.
As part of the Declaration of Intent, it’s anticipated that employers will need to:
- Confirm that they consulted with a licensed producer or representative from a licensed insurance carrier
- Upload documentation demonstrating that consultation
- Indicate their intent to apply for an Equivalent Private Insurance Plan (EPIP)
Filing a Declaration of Intent with the MD FAMLI Division signals that an employer plans to pursue an approved Private Plan and allows the state to account for that intent during the transition to full program implementation.
Key Dates
Below is the current high-level timeline based on guidance from the Maryland Department of Labor, and may change as regulations and rules are finalized:
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Date / Timeframe
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What To Know
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Anticipated before January 14, 2026 or shortly thereafter
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The Department hopes to finalize PFML regulations before the legislative session begins.
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Mid-Fall 2026
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The Declaration of Intent period opens for employers planning to pursue an Equivalent Private Insurance Plan (EPIP).
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January 1, 2027
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FAMLI contributions begin for those using the State Plan (who have not filed a Declaration of Intent).
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April 2027
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First contribution submissions are due for employers that have not filed a Declaration of Intent.
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Summer 2027
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EPIP applications open first for self-insured Private Plans, with Private Plan applications opening once plans receive approval.
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January 1, 2028
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MD PFML benefits begin.
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We’ll continue to keep you up to date on key Maryland PFML developments, so you’re ready. Be sure to sign up for updates here. so you don’t miss important changes or announcements.
This information is subject to change pending the adoption of final rules from the Maryland FAMLI Division. Further, 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 Maryland’s applicable laws and regulations as of the publication date and may change as regulations evolve or Maryland Department of Labor 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.
Policies are subject to Underwriting approval. Policies are reviewed annually and may be cancelled for nonpayment. All coverage extends to limits reflected in the policy. Please refer to the policy for coverage details pursuant to its governing law, including a complete listing of covered services, provisions, conditions, exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued or cancelled. In the event of conflicting information with the policy and its governing Law, the policy and governing Law will take precedence over what is shown in this material. Claim payment is not guaranteed; benefit amount depends on wages. All images licensed through iStockphoto and Adobe.
Maryland’s Time to Care Act (TTCA) (as reflected in MD Code Lab. & Empl. §§ 8.3-101 et seq.) and any Rules and Regulations established by the Maryland Department of Labor FAMLI Division govern this Private Plan and its interpretation and administration. Available in MD only.
Underwritten by: ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company (principal office in Garden City, NY) in: MD (form# pending); rates subject to approval by the Maryland Insurance Administration.