If You Want a Private FAMLI Plan, Act Before the November 15 Deadline
Maryland's Family and Medical Leave Insurance program, known as FAMLI, is moving from law into practice, and it will touch almost every practice that employs staff in Maryland. The program gives most Maryland workers paid time off to care for a new child, recover from a serious health condition, or care for a family member who is ill, funded through payroll contributions shared between employers and employees.
For practice owners, the most immediate decision is whether to use the state plan or a private plan that meets or exceeds the state's benefits. If you intend to use a private FAMLI plan for 2027 instead of the state plan, you must file a Declaration of Intent through your FAMLI account by November 15, 2026. Miss that date and your practice defaults into the state plan for the year.
A few other dates to keep in view. Employer registration through the state portal is required for any practice with at least one employee working in Maryland. Contributions and employee withholding begin January 1, 2027. Benefits become available to eligible employees on January 1, 2028.
The private plan route is not right for every practice, and it takes time to evaluate. If you are weighing it, start the conversation now with your benefits broker or plan administrator so you can compare costs and file before the November 15 deadline rather than scrambling at the end.
If a private plan is not on your radar, you do not need to act by November 15, but you should still register as an employer and plan for contributions beginning in January. Putting these dates in front of your office manager now will save a rushed quarter later.
