The company currently provides FLI in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, with plans to expand further.
The fully insured offering allows employers to easily provide paid leave benefits, helping workers balance personal and family needs. Sun Life has been a long-time advocate for expanding paid leave access, working with state programs to introduce private plan options and supporting legislative efforts to enhance the employer federal paid leave tax credit. Sun Life’s FLI is designed to align with the current tax credit framework and will continue to adjust as policies evolve.
With this expansion, Sun Life reinforces its commitment to supporting employers and employees by improving access to comprehensive leave solutions across the U.S.
“We believe no one should have to choose between their job and caring for a loved one,” said Joi Tillman, president, Group Benefits, Sun Life U.S. “While the Family and Medical (TASE:PMCN) Leave Act provides unpaid leave up to 12 weeks, many employees have the difficult decision of whether they can afford to take time off to tend to their families. With FLI, employers can choose to offer paid family leave benefits in a structure that aligns with their business and gives employees the ability to return to work less stressed and ready to be productive.”
Built on decades of absence and leave management, and return-to-work expertise, Sun Life FLI fills a substantial benefits gap for employers in states without government programs. Sun Life FLI is offered as fully insured coverage, helping small and mid-size employers offer the benefit without the risk of self-funding.
“We now offer FLI in 11 states across the U.S. This will contribute to economic growth by attracting more workers to these regions and supporting the return-to-work process for those who go on leave,” said Sheila Sokolski, vice president, Product Strategy and Portfolio Management, Sun Life U.S. “In addition to giving workers access to paid leave, FLI gives employers a powerful tool for talent recruitment and retention, as more professionals seek a robust benefits offering when considering jobs.”
