 Employer Updates - April 2025
Implementation Update
Minnesota will be the 13th state to launch a statewide Paid Leave program. We’re committed to collaborating with stakeholders to build an intuitive and accessible Paid Leave program that works for businesses, individuals, healthcare providers, and all Minnesotans.
Newsletter Update
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Beginning this month, Paid Leave will send versions of our monthly newsletter to better meet the needs of different audiences, starting with one for employers and one for individuals.
You are receiving this version of the newsletter because you signed up as interested in information for employers, or because you signed up at an event focused on this audience.
Need to review, change, or update subscriptions? Follow the link below.
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engagement sessions kick off
This month, the Paid Leave team kicked off a series of in-person events with local chambers of commerce to help employers get ready for Paid Leave. At events in Blaine, St. Paul, Eagan and Pine City we have answered dozens of great questions from hundreds of engaged employers about how they can make Paid Leave work for their business, and how we can make Paid Leave work better for Minnesotans.
Haven’t made it to an event yet? Join us at one of our upcoming sessions in Minneapolis, Eden Prairie, Shoreview, Stillwater, Northfield, Hutchinson, or Red Wing. At these sessions, we provide an overview of the program, share recent updates, and answer your questions.
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Equivalent Plan updates
As an employer, you can choose to meet your responsibilities under Paid Leave with an equivalent plan that meets or exceeds the coverage offered by the state. Employers who want to provide an equivalent plan to their employees will need to request an Equivalent Plan Exemption from Paid Leave in the coming months.
Right now, employers can prepare with information and tools on our website to compare the benefits of the state plan with the costs of an equivalent plan.
The Paid Leave team is currently working with the Minnesota Department of Commerce to certify insurance carrier plans that meet all program requirements. This way, there will be a market of approved plans available for employers who want to provide an equivalent plan.
Upcoming webinars: learn more about Paid Leave
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Intro to Paid Leave
This session will explain the basic elements of the program and answer questions about how it impacts both employers and employees.
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Employer Engagement Webinar
During this webinar, we will provide an overview of Paid Leave, share recent updates, and answer your questions.
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Hiring Spotlight
The Minnesota Paid Leave team is growing fast. We are a start-up in state government and are actively hiring for leaders to deliver on the promises of the legislation. Consider joining our team!
The Paid Leave team at the People of Color Career Fair this month.
Missed us at the job fair? You can always find our latest open roles on our website.
Top Questions We're Hearing
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Do employees need to continue to pay their portion of the health insurance premium?
Yes, employees must pay their portion of the health insurance premium while out on leave.
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Do employees continue to earn paid time off and other benefits while out on leave?
Employers must continue to fund health insurance coverage for employees on leave as if the employee was not on leave. Benefits and accruals must continue for employees when they return from leave.
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How long does a qualifying condition need to last for intermittent leave?
Qualifying conditions for Paid Leave must last at least seven days, but leave does not have to be taken for seven continuous days. For example, someone with chronic migraines does not have to take leave for seven days in a row. They may be eligible to take leave intermittently, as needed, for this long-term condition.
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How are tipped wages treated by Paid Leave?
Like Unemployment Insurance (UI), tips and gratuities are counted as wages by Paid Leave. They should be included in wage detail reports that will be used to determine premiums due and benefit eligibility.
For More Information
You can find more information for employers, individuals, and families on our webpage here.
For more information on UI and Paid Leave employer accounts, visit the Unemployment Insurance website.
Still Have Questions?
If you have a Paid Leave question that isn’t yet answered on our website, please submit your question here.
If you need help with your Paid Leave Only or Joint UI/Paid Leave account, contact the Unemployment Insurance employer helpline.
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