Ramsey County staff recommend private MetLife plan for Minnesota paid leave; RBA to seek opt‑out by Nov. 10

Ramsey County officials told the Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7 that they intend to seek an opt‑out from the state Minnesota Paid Leave program and pursue a private plan with MetLife, pending board authorization and a contract.

The recommendation comes after a presentation from Jessica Mumford, Leaves and Accommodations manager in Ramsey County Human Resources, who said, “Minnesota paid leave ... goes into effect 01/01/2026” and explained the program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for medical reasons and up to 12 weeks for family reasons, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks.

Mumford told commissioners that employers may either participate in the state plan or request permission to opt out and offer a state‑approved private plan. She said the employer opt‑out application is due Nov. 10 and warned that “if we don't have it on November 10, then we are going with the state plan starting January 1.”

Why it matters: Ramsey County must choose a compliance path and notify the state before Nov. 10 to avoid defaulting to the state plan on Jan. 1. Staff argued that a private plan negotiated through a cooperative solicitation provides better administrative control, faster employee service and a two‑year rate guarantee that lowers near‑term costs.

What staff recommended: Mumford recommended contracting with MetLife under a two‑year rate guarantee. The county’s presentation included a projected cost comparison showing MetLife’s guaranteed rate at 0.79 percent for 2026–27 and a projected savings of roughly $1.3 million across 2026–27 compared with a projected increase in the state rate.

Commissioners pressed on risks and timing. Commissioner Miller asked whether the post‑guarantee rate would likely rise, noting the county could face higher costs after two years. Mumford said the two‑year guarantee is a short‑term product to buy time and that staff will use 2026 utilization data to evaluate whether to continue with a private carrier, self‑insure or return to the state plan.

Next steps: Staff said they will return next week with a Request for Board Action authorizing County Manager Becker to finalize a MetLife contract and submit the opt‑out application to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development before the Nov. 10 deadline. Mumford outlined implementation tasks if the county opts out, including systems integration, policy updates, supervisor training and employee communications; she noted a mandatory employee notice is due Dec. 1 if the county proceeds.

Limitations and uncertainties: Presenters repeatedly said long‑term costs are uncertain. Mumford described the state program as “complicated” and noted state rates are capped but could increase up to the statutory maximum; commissioners also noted the MetLife rate is a market entry rate that may not persist beyond its guarantee period.

The board did not vote on the matter on Oct. 7; staff sought direction and formal authorization will be requested via an RBA before the state’s Nov. 10 opt‑out deadline.