Almost 10 years after the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was passed on a federal level, California kicked off a series of state paid family medical leave laws (PFML). The last 20 years have seen a rollout of PFML regulations enacted in 11 states and the District of Columbia. 

Where do carriers see this regulation trend going? From December 2022 through February 2023, LIMRA surveyed carriers regarding their product and service offerings, strategy, and plans regarding leave and absence management programs. Topics included services offered, use of partners, staffing, technology systems and platforms, paid family and medical leaves, and overall strategies. This look at leave management allowed LIMRA to see what the future may hold for the industry, at least from the carriers' perspective.

Most of the 18 carriers surveyed that currently offer absence management or leave management programs indicated they have been offering these services for more than 10 years. All respondents offer short-term and long-term disability, as well as employee assistance programs. Americans with Disability Act (ADA) services, return to work, stay at work, and wellness programs are offered by more than half of the companies.