New Hampshire Seeks Insurer for Voluntary Family Medical Leave Plan

New Hampshire is looking for a commercial insurance carrier to fully insure and administer the Granite State Paid Family and Medical Leave Plan.

The plan provides participating employees in New Hampshire with 60% of their average weekly wage for up to six weeks per year for specified leaves of absence from the workplace.

The plan affords an alternative to a mandatory program by providing voluntary access to a benefit for all employees working for a business in New Hampshire. An employer of any size may elect to participate and a business enterprise tax credit equal to 50% of the premium paid by those sponsoring employers is available.

“A statewide, private-market, truly voluntary paid leave plan does not exist in any other state, and New Hampshire is leading the way,” said Governor Chris Sununu as the state released a request for proposal (RFP). “After years of talk, we are finally moving forward with a viable paid leave product that is available to anyone who wants it and forced upon no one who does not.”

“With this voluntary plan, New Hampshire has once again shown how innovative approaches to public policy issues can provide viable solutions,” said Deputy Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt.

Details about the RFP:

• The winning carrier shall provide coverage to all three participant groups: the state as an employer, private and other public employers of any size and the individual group.
• Once approved by the Governor and Executive Council, the contract term will extend through December 31, 2027, a period of approximately five years, and may be extended for up to two additional years.
• Proposals submitted in response to this RFP must be received by the Division of Procurement and Support Services (DPSS) Bureau of Purchase and Property no later than May 9, 2022.

The Request for Proposals can be accessed here.

Topics Carriers New Hampshire