The establishment of social insurance programs in the U.S, such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and Social Security Disability Insurance, is a testament to the nation’s commitment to protect its citizens from the trials of life including aging, sickness, disability, and economic downturns. Millions of Americans, especially in states like Maine, heavily rely on these programs.

However, these programs have failed to acknowledge the increasing strain on two-worker families with changing family demographics. The mounting need for both childcare and elder care has placed extreme pressure on these households, inconveniencing their budgets and destabilizing their internal dynamics. Despite dual incomes, many families still face the challenge of losing wages when parents take time off work for caregiving or personal health reasons.

Covid-19 pandemic especially negatively impacted women who had to quit jobs, disrupt their careers, and forego earnings that formed a significant part of the family income. In Maine, most of the 166,000 informal caregivers are women, providing unpaid care worth nearly $3 billion.

In 2023, Maine became the 13th state to tackle these problems by instituting a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This initiative will offer financial security to workers needing to take time off to care for themselves or their loved ones, without sacrificing their sources of livelihood.

Critics of paid leave argue that it is unaffordable for businesses. Nonetheless, social insurance models funded by small percentage contributions from both employers and employees have proven to be affordable and sustainable. In essence, PFML is a reflection of societal values and a reaffirmation of human dignity. It ensures that no one has to choose between their livelihood and family care.

Paid family leave can be a bit confusing to navigate, especially for first time users. If you need to get a hold of Paid Family Leave, there are a number of resources available. One such resource is eddcaller.com, a website that provides information on how to reach out to the PFL department, understand their services, and navigate their processes.