#None #Employee Benefits #Family Leave Insurance #Sun Life U.S.

Sun Life U.S. Expands Family Leave Insurance Coverage

In a notable move to enhance worker support, Sun Life U.S. announced its expansion of Family Leave Insurance (FLI) to seven additional states, bringing the total number of states offering this vital benefit to 24. The states included in this expansion are Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Utah, and Wisconsin. This initiative aims to provide significant coverage to millions of employees, especially those working in regions without mandated paid leave programs.

The Family Leave Insurance program is designed to allow employers to offer essential benefits to their employees, regardless of where they are based. Sheila Sokolski, Vice President of Product Strategy and Portfolio Management for Group Benefits at Sun Life U.S., expressed the importance of this insurance, stating that when employees have a sick or injured family member, they face a tough decision about taking time off work. The FLI enables employers to provide paid family leave in a manner that aligns with their business needs while offering invaluable support to their workforce.

The backdrop to this initiative echoes a growing concern among companies and workers alike regarding work-life balance. Employees are eager for policies that allow them to care for family members without the fear of jeopardizing their job security or financial stability. Sun Life’s FLI addresses this gap, particularly serving those in states that do not have existing government leave programs.

Sun Life’s FLI has been crafted with decades of expertise in disability-leave management, ensuring that it is a robust solution for companies. The product is offered fully insured, making it possible for small and midsize businesses to provide significant benefits without the burden of self-funding risks. Unlike some competitors which incorporate FLI as a rider within short-term disability insurance, Sun Life offers it as a standalone policy, permitting greater flexibility and accessibility for employers and their employees.

Moreover, this insurance plan comes equipped with efficient online claims submission, allowing employees to submit their claims easily while enabling employers to track leave details seamlessly. Starting November 1, 2025, employers in the newly added states can obtain quotes for the Family Leave Insurance, paving the way for further states to come on board in 2026.

For many employers, a comprehensive benefits package can be a tool for attracting and retaining talent. In today's labor market, where workers prioritize companies with family-friendly policies, offering paid leave through FLI may be a significant competitive advantage. Sun Life's commitment to health and productivity is evident in their design of this program, which reassures employees that their wellbeing and family obligations will be supported.

In addition, this initiative aligns with existing tax credits, which may lead to more favorable adoption amongst employers looking to improve their benefits offerings. The ability for Sun Life to adapt FLI in response to regulatory changes is a clear benefit for employers who want to remain compliant while providing these essential services.

As part of Sun Life U.S.’s overarching mission, which serves roughly 50 million Americans, the Family Leave Insurance program is a clear reflection of their dedication to improving health, access, and productivity. More than just a financial product, it's a commitment to ensuring that no employee has to choose between their job and their family during critical times.

For additional details on how to access and implement Family Leave Insurance, visit Sun Life’s dedicated page at www.sunlife.com/family.