County Chooses MetLife Over State Plan for Paid Family Leave

by Trinity Gruenberg

trinity@inhnews.com

The Wadena County Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1.

Paid Family Medical Leave

Jennifer Westrum explained that Wadena County is preparing to implement a new paid family medical leave program, set to begin in January 2026.

Westrum presented two options: the brand-new state program or a private plan with MetLife. 

The state program, new and untested, would charge 0.88% of payroll, costing the county about $95,448 annually. County officials were concerned about potential payment delays of up to 60 days, which could create financial hardship for employees needing leave.

The MetLife program would cost 0.79% of payroll, saving the county approximately $9,761 annually, with employees and the county splitting the cost equally. As an added benefit, MetLife offered to cap dental insurance rate increases at 8% for 2026. With 14-15 states already using their system, MetLife promised faster payment processing and more reliable service.

The state program would review rates annually and potentially lock counties into a three-year contract. MetLife offered a two-year rate cap and additional benefits....

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