Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (VT FMLI) began on July 1, 2023 for State of Vermont government employees. On July 1, 2024, the program will expand to offer optional family and medical leave insurance to other public and private employers with two or more employees. On July 1, 2025, individuals who do not have access through their employer’s program and employers with one employee can purchase insured coverage from the VT FMLI individual purchasing pool.
Key Dates
- July 1, 2023: State of Vermont Government Employee Phase: Benefits began for the State of Vermont government employees.
- July 1, 2024: Employer Phase: Program expands to include other private and non-state public employers with two or more employees on an optional basis.
- July 1, 2025: Individual Phase: Program expands to small employers with one employee and eligible individual employees, including self-employed Vermonters.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Is The Hartford Offering Fully Insured Coverage in VT?
Yes, as Vermont’s selected carrier, The Hartford is offering employers fully insured coverage as well as administrative services for self-funded VT FMLI plans.
Is This a Mandatory Program for All Employers in Vermont?
No, this is not a mandatory program. The VT FMLI program is being established to offer optional family and medical leave benefit coverage to Vermont employers and eligible employees.
What’s Covered Under the Employer and Individual Phase of the VT FMLI Program?
The Hartford offers two products to employers: VT Family and Medical Leave Insurance (VT FMLI) and VT Family Leave Insurance (VT FLI). Both VT FMLI and VT FLI may provide at least a combined six weeks of paid leave benefits in a 12-month period for the following life events:
VT FMLI:
- Bond with a new child (newborn, adoption and/or foster placement)
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition
- Military exigency
- Care for a military service member
- Recover from childbirth
- Recover from their own serious health condition
VT FLI:
- Bond with a new child (newborn, adoption and/or foster placement)
- Care for a family member with a serious health condition
- Military exigency
- Care for a military service member
What Are the Benefits for the State of Vermont Government Employee Program?
Learn more about this program on our State of Vermont Government Employees page.
What Benefits Are Available From The Hartford for the Employer Phase of the Program?
Get details about the Vermont FMLI product on our VT FMLI site for employers.
How Do Employers Purchase VT FMLI Insurance From The Hartford?
Employers with two or more employees may work with their benefits brokers and The Hartford to customize their program and premium to meet their business’ needs.
Employers with one employee may work with their benefits brokers or purchase VT FMLI directly through the VT FMLI individual purchasing pool, which will be insured by The Hartford. The individual purchasing pool will be available starting July 1, 2025.
Who Is Eligible To Participate in the Employer Phase of the VT FMLI Program?
To be eligible for the Employer Phase of VT FMLI, an employee must work in Vermont for an employer that chooses to offer VT FMLI. Eligible Vermont employers include any public or private employer who has a physical location in Vermont with two or more employees.
Who Is Eligible To Participate in the Individual Phase of the VT FMLI Program?
Individuals who work for Vermont employers that do not offer VT FMLI, self-employed Vermonters and employers with one employee can purchase coverage through the VT FMLI individual purchasing pool, which will be insured by The Hartford.
Please reach out to your representative at The Hartford for additional information.
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1 Under Vermont law, 15 VSA Section 1204(a), civil union partners have all the same benefits, protections and responsibilities as are granted to spouses in a civil marriage.
2 The contribution and benefit base limit established annually by the federal Social Security Administration for purposes of the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program limits pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 430.
VT Paid Family and Medical Leave Form Series GBD-1859 PFML (VT).
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.
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., (NYSE: HIG) operates through its subsidiaries, including underwriting companies Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company and Hartford Fire Insurance Company, under the brand name, The Hartford,® and is headquartered at One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. For additional details, please read The Hartford’s legal notice at www.thehartford.com.