Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)

Colorado FAMLI provides wage replacement and protected leave for qualifying family, medical, military, safety, and neonatal care needs. Employers may use the state plan or a private plan approved by the Colorado FAMLI Division.

Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. (MNL) has filed a fully insured Colorado FAMLI policy form and rates for use in Colorado. Each employer must separately obtain private plan approvals.

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Talk with your Wise Benefits® representative
about a Colorado FAMLI private plan.

Program Snapshot

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Coverage

Nearly all Colorado employers must provide Paid Leave coverage regardless of business size. Employees are generally covered if their work is localized or based primarily in Colorado as outlined by the Colorado Department of Labor.
(Source: colorado.gov/employers/employer-faqs)

Benefits Duration¹

Up to 12 weeks, plus up to four additional weeks for pregnancy or childbirth complications and up to 12 additional weeks for neonatal care.

Wage Replacement¹

Up to 90 percent of wages under the state formula, subject to the current maximum weekly benefit.
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Qualifying Needs¹

New child bonding, an employee’s own health condition, family care, military needs, safe leave, and neonatal care.

Leave Schedule¹

Continuous, intermittent, or reduced-schedule leave, subject to plan requirements.
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Eligibility¹

Generally, at least $2,500 in prior-year wages. Job protection generally begins after 180 days with the employer.

1. Source: Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program famli.colorado.gov/individuals-and-families.
Program information is based on 2026 requirements unless otherwise noted and is subject to change.

Why Consider an Approved Private Plan

An MNL approved, equivalent private plan includes or supports the following processes and features:

  • Processes for continuous and intermittent leave, benefit determinations, and appeals.
  • Employees can initiate claims online or by telephone.
  • Employers receive notice after an employee files a claim.
  • Claims under the policy are administered by MNL or its designated policy administrator.
  • Coordination with employer-provided PTO and disability benefits, subject to the issued policy and applicable plan terms.

Premium rates and certain policy and administrative provisions may vary by employer in accordance with MNL’s filed policy and rating methodology, underwriting requirements, and Colorado law. Available effective dates are subject to Colorado’s equivalent-plan application and approval requirements.

The MNL policy is designed to provide benefits at least equal to the state plan. MNL’s insurance filing does not approve an employer’s private plan. The employer must apply to the Colorado FAMLI Division before replacing state coverage.

Prepare for a Colorado Private Plan

  1. Confirm the group
    Identify Colorado employees, legal entities, FEINs, payroll information, and current FAMLI participation.
  2. Request a proposal
    Provide the census and wage information needed for underwriting and pricing.
  3. Apply for approval
    Submit a private plan application for each applicable FEIN. The effective date must be at least 60 days after application and at least 30 days after approval.
  4. Implement the plan
    Complete payroll and data setup, then provide the required employee notice at least 30 days before the approved effective date.

How Wise Benefits Staff Can Help

  • Compare the private plan option with continued participation in the state plan
  • Coordinate the quote, underwriting, and implementation process
  • Help prepare the private plan application and employee communications

Colorado FAMLI FAQs

  • What types of leave are covered?

    Covered reasons include new child bonding, an employee’s own serious health condition, family care, qualifying military needs, safe leave, and neonatal care.

    Source: famli.colorado.gov/individuals-and-families

  • How much leave and pay are available?

    Eligible workers may receive up to 12 weeks of leave, with additional time for pregnancy or childbirth complications and neonatal care. Wage replacement follows the state formula and is subject to the current weekly maximum.

    Source: famli.colorado.gov/individuals-and-families/individuals-and-families-faqs

  • Does MNL’s Colorado insurance filing approve the employer’s private plan?

    No. Each employer must separately apply to the Colorado FAMLI Division and receive approval before leaving the state plan.

    Source: famli.colorado.gov/employers/private-plans

  • When should an employer apply?

    Begin well before the target effective date. The effective date must be at least 60 days after application and at least 30 days after approval. Employee notice is also required at least 30 days before the effective date.

    Source: famli.colorado.gov/employers/private-plans

This summary is not legal, tax, accounting, or regulatory advice and does not replace required Colorado FAMLI notices. Program requirements may change. Product availability is subject to underwriting, policy terms, and employer approval by the Colorado FAMLI Division.