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Sun Life U.S. Expands Family Leave Insurance to Arizona, Wyoming, and Pennsylvania

Sun Life U.S. has recently made significant strides in expanding its Family Leave Insurance (FLI) offerings by adding Arizona, Wyoming, and Pennsylvania to its coverage list. As of today, this notable addition brings the total number of states where Sun Life provides fully insured paid family leave to 14, with states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Georgia already included in their program.

Expanding Access to Paid Family Leave

Family Leave Insurance aims to broaden the accessibility of paid leave for workers. In states where no state-mandated paid leave programs exist, Sun Life's FLI offers employers the option to provide meaningful benefits to their employees. This initiative is vital as many employees face the tough decision of prioritizing pay over family needs during significant life events. As Joi Tillman, president of Group Benefits at Sun Life U.S., states:

"With FLI, employers can choose to offer paid family leave benefits in a structure that aligns with their business, ensuring that employees can balance their work and caregiving responsibilities."

Such programs are increasingly essential as they provide workers with the support they need during times of family caretaking without sacrificing their financial well-being.

A Leader in Paid Leave Advocacy

Sun Life has long been a champion of paid leave, continually working alongside state legislatures to propose private options complementary to mandated plans. Their engagement also extends to supporting legislative efforts aimed at extending federal paid leave tax credits for employers. The FLI program is designed to meet current tax credit standards and is adaptable to future changes, ensuring that it remains relevant and beneficial for both employees and employers.

FLI is especially crucial in states lacking government programs. It ensures that all eligible employees, irrespective of where they work, have access to this crucial benefit. The program is available as fully insured coverage, which allows small and mid-sized businesses to offer this valuable benefit without the risks associated with self-funding.

The Economic Impact and Workforce Retention

According to Sheila Sokolski, vice president of Product Strategy and Portfolio Management at Sun Life U.S., the Family Leave Insurance not only aids in individual employee circumstances but also contributes to broader economic growth. By offering paid family leave, businesses can attract quality workers to these regions and facilitate the return-to-work process following a leave. What's more, as the demand for robust employee benefits rises, the FLI positions employers as desirable employers.

FLI allows employees to benefit from streamlined online claims submissions, and it gives employers tools to track their employees' leave details, enhancing overall productivity and health management in the workplace.

This updated program will be available for quoting in Arizona, Wyoming, and Pennsylvania starting May 1, and Sun Life expects to expand its offerings to even more states throughout the year.

About Sun Life

Sun Life operates as a prominent global financial services organization, delivering an array of asset management, insurance, and health solutions to clients around the world. With operations extending across numerous markets, including the U.S., Canada, and several Asian countries, Sun Life is well-equipped to meet client needs. With over C$1.54 trillion in assets under management as of December 2024, the organization is equipped to facilitate a comprehensive suite of services aimed at providing essential benefits to its customers.

In the U.S., Sun Life serves approximately 50 million Americans through various partnerships, government programs, and employer-sponsored plans. The commitment to employee benefits, such as dental, vision, and disability coverage, underpins its substantial impact in the sector. The expansion of Family Leave Insurance aligns with the organization's mission to support workforce well-being and productivity.

For more information on this initiative, visit Sun Life's Family Leave Insurance page.