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Bill

H 1180

An Act ensuring life insurance coverage while taking Paid Family and Medical Leave

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ken Gordon

Massachusetts bill mandates life insurers maintain coverage for workers on paid family/medical leave, preventing policy cancellation during temporary employment absences.

Hearing scheduled for 11/04/2025 from 10:30 AM-01:30 PM in A-2
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1180

Legislative bill overview

H 1180 requires life insurance providers to maintain coverage for policyholders during periods when they take paid family and medical leave (PFML). The bill prevents insurers from canceling, lapsing, or modifying life insurance policies due to temporary leave from employment, ensuring continuous protection during this vulnerable period.

Why is this important

Workers taking PFML may face financial hardship and reduced income, making life insurance lapses particularly dangerous for families with dependents. Without this protection, people could lose coverage precisely when they need it most, and re-qualifying for insurance after leave could be difficult or expensive due to health changes or age progression.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry costs: Insurers may argue the mandate increases administrative burden and claim complexity when tracking leave status across employers
  • Definition scope: Ambiguity over which types of leave qualify, whether it covers federal FMLA leave versus state PFML, and how long coverage must be maintained
  • Premium payment mechanism: Unclear how premiums are paid during leave (employee, employer, or state responsibility), potentially creating disputes over who bears the cost burden

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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