Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave: What Employers Need to Know
At Braaten & Company, we help Minnesota businesses navigate Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) and understand the options available to them. We provide straightforward, personalized guidance so you can make informed decisions for your business and your employees. Call us at (320) 200-1208 to get started.
What Is Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)?
Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) provides eligible Minnesota employees with partial wage replacement and job-protected leave when they need time away from work for qualifying medical, family, or caregiving needs.
Explore Private Plan Options for Minnesota PFML
The state-run Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave program isn’t the only option available to employers. Braaten & Company works with multiple insurance carriers that offer private plan alternatives, giving employers the opportunity to compare coverage, costs, and benefits to determine what best fits their business and employees.
In many cases, a private plan may offer lower premiums for both the employer and employees, while still meeting Minnesota’s PFML requirements. Some carriers integrate PFML into the disability claims process, helping to create a more intentional and cohesive benefit experience for your team.
We can help you compare available carrier options, understand the differences, and determine whether a private PFML plan makes sense for your organization.
HMO, PPO, and HDHP Plans Explained for Employers
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Lower premiums and predictable costs, but employees must use a defined network of providers and select a primary care physician. A practical choice for businesses managing tight benefits budgets.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): Greater flexibility—employees can see any provider inside or outside the network without a referral. Premiums are higher, but the freedom appeals to competitive hiring environments.
HDHP (High-Deductible Health Plan): Lower monthly premiums paired with a higher deductible. Often combined with a Health Savings Account (HSA), which lets employees set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. A strong fit for businesses offering a tiered or supplemented benefits strategy.
Matching Plan Type to Workforce Size and Budget
We evaluate your business size, industry, location, and employee demographics before recommending a plan structure. A ten-person manufacturing company in Becker has different group medical needs than a forty-person professional services firm in Saint Cloud, and plan selection should reflect that.
How We Help You Find the Right Medical Plan
Not every plan fits every business. That is why Braaten & Company takes a hands-on approach to reviewing your options and matching you with coverage that fits your workforce size, your industry, and your goals.
We walk you through:
- Plan types, including HMOs, PPOs, and HDHPs
- Employer and employee cost-sharing structures
- Network Coverage across the nation
- Annual renewal reviews to keep your plan optimized year over year
We also support your employees directly during enrollment, answering questions and making sure everyone understands what they are signed up for.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFML
Who is eligible for Minnesota Paid Leave?
Most Minnesota employees are covered by the program, although eligibility and benefit amounts depend on factors such as employment, earnings, and the reason for leave.
What types of leave are covered?
Qualifying reasons may include an employee’s own serious health condition, caring for a family member, bonding with a new child, certain military-related circumstances, and qualifying safety leave.
Is PFML the same as FMLA?
No. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Minnesota Paid Leave are separate programs. Depending on the circumstances, an employee may qualify for both, and the leaves may run concurrently.
Have Questions About Minnesota Paid Leave?
PFML can bring new questions for employers—from understanding requirements to evaluating coverage options. Braaten & Company is here to help you make sense of it. We’ll walk you through your options and help you determine what makes sense for your business and employees.
Call (320) 200-1208 or schedule a consultation today.
