CONCORD, N.H. – MetLife has become the first carrier to offer mental health resources as part of a state-paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. Through a partnership with TELUS Health, New Hampshire employees enrolled in employer-sponsored plans will now have access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) services, marking a significant expansion in the state’s PFML benefits.
This initiative aims to enhance the mental well-being of workers by offering critical therapeutic resources during times when they may be on leave for health-related reasons.
A Step Forward in Employee Well-Being
The inclusion of mental health services is a major milestone in the state’s PFML program. New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt described the move as a “significant step forward” in supporting the overall well-being of Granite State workers. “By integrating access to professional mental health services, employees can receive essential care while maintaining financial stability during times of need,” Bettencourt said.
Expanded Benefits Under NH PFML
New Hampshire’s PFML program, which offers participating workers 60% of their average weekly wage (up to the Social Security wage cap) for up to six weeks per year, now provides more than just financial support. Available to all New Hampshire workers and employers—whether for-profit, non-profit, or public—the program was launched in December 2022 to support employees taking leave for qualifying reasons, such as caring for a family member, recovering from a serious health condition, or bonding with a new child.
The addition of mental health resources offers employees personalized support, including an initial clinical assessment, consultations with dedicated therapists, therapy modules, and ongoing mental health assistance. These services are designed to help employees manage conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and insomnia.
Mental Health Support as a Program Enhancement
MetLife, the state’s paid family and medical leave insurance provider, is offering this mental health support exclusively to employees enrolled in employer-sponsored NH PFML plans. While employers are not required to purchase this insurance through MetLife, those that do are eligible for a tax credit, a key incentive to encourage participation.
Employers also have the flexibility to structure the benefit according to their needs, including covering the full cost, implementing an employee contribution, or using a shared-cost model.
A Comprehensive Approach to Worker Support
Keith Nyhan, deputy insurance commissioner, emphasized the significance of these updates in strengthening the PFML program and bolstering workforce resilience. “These updates not only enhance the program’s ability to support workers but also ensure that employers can provide comprehensive benefits that promote workforce well-being,” Nyhan said.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department remains committed to improving access to meaningful coverage options for residents and advancing consumer protections.
With this new mental health enhancement, MetLife is helping New Hampshire workers navigate life’s challenges with greater support, furthering the state’s commitment to both physical and mental health care for its workforce.
