The Mental-Health Stigma That Won't Go Away: Getting Paid Time Off to Heal
Her insurer, Ameritas Life Insurance, didn't see things the same way. A doctor it chose to evaluate her described her symptoms as 'mild to moderate trauma.' In its letter denying her claim, Ameritas agreed that Gray-Payne had PTSD from a trauma years earlier but that she had proved before that she could 'put much of that behind' her and could work.
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Android Authority
an hour ago
- Android Authority
I've tested all the best smart rings in 2025, and these are the only ones I would buy
While fitness trackers and smartwatches are the better-known devices in the wearable tech world, there is a third, less popular option. Smart rings are slowly becoming more attractive alternatives. I've tested more than a dozen of these minimalist devices, and below are the best smart rings you can buy. Oura Ring 4: The best smart ring overall Oura Ring 4 Thinner design • Refreshed app experience • Smarter health sensing MSRP: $399.00 The top smart ring gets an upgrade. The Oura Ring 4 is the biggest rival to the Samsung Galaxy Ring. The new generation features upgraded hardware and a sleeker design and pairs with a refreshed Oura app for an improved software experience. See price at Amazon Positives Flatter sensor bumps Flatter sensor bumps Titanium inner layer Titanium inner layer Long list of metrics tracked Long list of metrics tracked Excellent software experience Cons Bulky, thick design Bulky, thick design Still scratches easily Still scratches easily Not fully coated on some colorways Not fully coated on some colorways Oura membership needed for most features No matter how many smart rings I test, Oura continues to set the standard. The company's newest model, the Oura Ring 4, solidifies the brand's lead with reliable sensors, a refined form factor, and one of the best companion apps in the wearable space. It's the ring I reach for most often, and the one I always compare new products against. To start, the device consistently delivers accurate heart rate, SpO2, and respiratory tracking. The company's sleep tracking platform is also still virtually unmatched, which makes sense given its roots as a sleep-focused brand. But what really sets the Oura Ring apart is its holistic approach to wellness. Instead of chasing step counts and streaks, Oura blends my data into big-picture insights so I can make healthier big-picture choices. The brand promotes rest, recovery, and sustainable activity goals, and the app's guidance only gets smarter the longer you wear the device. The Oura Ring 4 features trimmed-down internal sensor bumps and a titanium interior, making it lighter on the hand and easier to slip on and off. With an upgraded Smart Sensing system, now with 18 signal pathways up from 8, it also delivers even more reliable data than previous generations. In my testing, heart rate and sleep tracking remain highly accurate. Oura claims up to a week of battery life, though I average closer to four days per charge in real-world use. Meanwhile, the updated app experience feels cleaner and smarter, with tools like Timeline and Spotlights, plus the AI-powered Oura Advisor, which helps users contextualize their data trends. On the flip side, activity tracking/training tools are somewhat limited, and the device lacks any niche features like haptics for alarms or NFC support. Oura offers an unmatched software experience and reliable all-day health monitoring. Starting at $399 plus a $5.99/month subscription, it's undeniably pricey. While I wish Oura would drop the ongoing fee, the Ring 4 still justifies the cost with a best-in-class companion app, data reliability, and a sleek, comfortable build. If you're serious about health tracking and want it in a truly minimalist form factor, the Oura Ring 4 is the smart ring to beat. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more Samsung Galaxy Ring: The best smart ring for Samsung users Samsung Galaxy Ring Lightweight, comfortable build • Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery • No subscription fee MSRP: $399.99 Fancy Titanium ring, with fancy sensors The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a leap into a new device segment for Samsung. Available in nine sizes 5 through 13, this jewelry-inspired wearable is packed with sensors to track your health and fitness, and some basic controls for your smartphone. Designed for 24/7 wear. See price at Amazon Positives Lightweight, comfortable build Lightweight, comfortable build Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery Convenient case-style charger with built-in battery Unique integration with Galaxy watches and phones Unique integration with Galaxy watches and phones No subscription fee Cons Disappointing battery life Disappointing battery life Unreliable sleep and heart rate tracking Unreliable sleep and heart rate tracking Expensive at checkout Expensive at checkout Some tools locked to Samsung phones A thoughtfully designed smart ring that fits seamlessly into Samsung's broader ecosystem, the Galaxy Ring is purpose-built for users already invested in the brand. It integrates intelligently with other Samsung devices, optimizing battery life and enabling unique features like gesture controls. With a minimalist titanium build that's ultra-light and impressively durable, it's also one of the most comfortable smart rings I've worn. Though Samsung's smallest wearable yet, the Galaxy Ring still tracks everything from sleep stages, heart rate, and SpO2 to skin temperature and activity, including automatic workout detection for common movements. In the app, a Vitality Score offers actionable wellness insights and organizes metrics in a clean, digestible view. When paired with a Galaxy Watch, the ring smartly delegates tracking tasks to conserve battery life while maintaining seamless integration in the Samsung Health app. For me, it's a petite and practical alternative for overnight health monitoring when I don't want to wear my bulky Galaxy Watch Ultra. With unique device integration, the Galaxy Ring is the best option for users already invested in the Samsung ecosystem. Yet my favorite feature is the ring's compact charging case. With a built-in battery, it powers the device on the go and streamlines what's already a convenient multi-day battery experience. A quick 30-minute top-up typically gets me several more days of use, and the case itself looks and feels premium. At $399 with no subscription fee, the ring offers impressive value, especially for Samsung users looking for a discreet health tracker that's a natural extension of their existing tech. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more RingConn Gen 2 Air: The best value smart ring RingConn Gen 2 Air Low price point • Lightweight, comfortable design • Fantastic battery life MSRP: $199.00 A great budget smart ring. The RingConn Gen 2 Air crams all the smart ring essentials into a slimline, lightweight package, and at a great price of under $200. See price at Amazon Positives Low price point Low price point Lightweight, comfortable design Lightweight, comfortable design Fantastic battery life Fantastic battery life Tracks all core health metrics Cons No sleep apnea detection No sleep apnea detection Puck-style charger Puck-style charger Limited workout/training tools For anyone interested in exploring smart rings without breaking the bank, the RingConn Gen 2 Air is my favorite wallet-friendly pick. For less than $200 and with no monthly subscription, it delivers reliable health tracking, a featherlight build, and one of the longest battery lives I've tested in a ring. It may not have the polish or ecosystem advantages of bigger brands, but it nails the basics and offers real value for Android or iOS users. To start, the ring measures in at just 2mm thick and no more than 4g (depending on your size). It's unobtrusive through workouts, sleep, and daily tasks, and its stainless steel build feels durable despite being so light. I barely notice it's on, which is exactly the feel I what in something I wear around the clock. It also tracks all the essentials, including heart rate, sleep stages, HRV-based stress, SpO2, skin temperature, and general activity, and syncs them to a clean (and steadily improving) companion app. The RingConn platform isn't as refined as Oura, but it offers meaningful metrics and AI insights that show the brand has potential. RingConn may not be as established a brand as competitors, but the Air 2 is a fantastic, budget-friendly pick with great battery life. Meanwhile, battery life is a clear standout as the device easily lasts me more than a full week, nearly twice as long as my Oura Ring 4. The RingConn app also alleviates charging stress with helpful info, including time estimates and a suggested 'charge by' window. Once on the charger, the app even displays how long it will take to fully recharge. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more RingConn Gen 2: The best subscription-free smart ring RingConn Gen 2 Comfortable, lightweight design • Impressive battery life • Low price point compared to the competition MSRP: $299.00 A top-tier Galaxy and Oura Ring alternative. The RingConn Gen 2 offers shoppers an alternative to the heavy hitters; Samsung and Oura. The device is comfortable, lightweight, and attractive and tracks all the basic wellness metrics users expect. See price at Amazon Positives Comfortable, lightweight design Comfortable, lightweight design Impressive battery life Impressive battery life Low price point compared to the competition Cons Limited workout tracking Limited workout tracking App experience could use work App experience could use work Sleep apnea detection not medically validated At a slightly higher but still competitive price point, the RingConn Gen 2 delivers strong performance as well, including even better battery life than the Air. On my finger, it's slightly bulkier, but still comfortable, and remains one of the most accessible and well-rounded smart rings available (especially for shoppers who don't want to pay a recurring cost). I was impressed by the refinements RingConn made from its first generation, proving that the company is here to stay and compete with leaders like Oura and Samsung. In addition to delivering all the staple health tracking features I expect on a smart ring, RingConn continues to push its platform. The Gen 2 currently offers sleep apnea detection (though not medically validated), plus more stats and data than I could possibly digest and a useful Wellness graphic for at-a-glance insights. The RingConn Gen 2 remains an attractive price tag to anyone willing to step away from Oura in favor of a subscription-free experience. Not to beat a dead horse, but I can't emphasize enough how much I love a charging case over a charging puck. RingConn delivers the former, adding further convenience to the Gen 2's already impressive 12-day battery life. According to specs, the case should power up the ring up to a dozen times before you need to track down your cable. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more Amazfit Helio Ring: The best smart ring for larger hands Amazfit Helio Ring Small, lightweight form factor • Useful sleep and readiness data • Seamless integration with Amazfit smartwatches MSRP: $199.99 A smart ring with tight integration with Amazfit smartwatches. The Amazfit Helio Ring is a lightweight, comfortable fitness tracker that offers background data collection to anyone not interested in wearing a smartwatch around the clock, but also offers extra features for existing Amazfit smartwatch users looking to double down. See price at Amazon Positives Small, lightweight form factor Small, lightweight form factor Useful sleep and readiness data Useful sleep and readiness data Seamless integration with Amazfit smartwatches Seamless integration with Amazfit smartwatches Great price Cons Limited sizes available at launch Limited sizes available at launch Relatively short battery life The Amazfit Helio Ring is a solid entry into the smart ring space, offering reliable health tracking, a subscription-fee experience, and a sleek titanium build, all at a competitive $199 price point. It shines brightest when paired with an Amazfit smartwatch, unlocking deeper insights in the Zepp app. However, while the Helio Ring nails the fundamentals, I found it unwearable due to its limited sizing options, and had to call for reinforcements during testing. I love the premium look and feel of the Helio Ring's titanium build, especially the subtly dimpled texture. It's lightweight and thin, yet still packs enough sensors to deliver all the basics, including useful readiness scores. In the Zepp app, the user interface is clean, intuitive, and doesn't lock features behind a paywall, a huge win in a market where subscriptions are becoming the norm. As mentioned, if you pair the ring with an Amazfit smartwatch, you'll also be able to access even more features, just like with Samsung's ring and watches. If you can fit into the few rather large sizes available, the Amazfit Helio Ring is a feature-packed pick at a great price. Battery life is solid, though not best-in-class. I consistently got 3.5 to 4 days on a single charge, which is enough for stress-free use but slightly behind competitors. However, sizing is a real issue. Currently, the Helio Ring only comes in large sizes, which is why my partner had to do most of the active testing for this device. Amazfit says more options are on the way, but for now, this limitation may make it hard for many shoppers to find the right fit. Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Read more Honorable mentions Oura Ring 3 Oura Ring 3 Inconspicuous • Clean design • Excellent sleep tracking MSRP: $299.00 An excellent and unintrusive sleep tracker that focuses on personal wellness more than numbers The Oura Ring 3 is a smart ring that tracks your sleep, activity, and heart rate. Its minimal design makes it inconspicuous to wear while sleeping, working, exercising, or even when out to a fancy dinner. The companion Oura app takes a well-rounded approach to health, focusing on your overall well-being. See price at Amazon See price at Oura Though now outdone, the Oura Ring 3 is still a very reliable tracker that will give you access to many of the brand's top features. I wore mine consistently for nearly two years, and it was easily the best smart ring I owned, until the Oura Ring 4 arrived. The Evie Ring is the most popular smart ring specifically designed with women in mind. Featuring a wellness tracking platform with an emphasis on menstrual cycle tracking, the Evie comes in three finishes, eight sizes, and a unique open ring design. Ultrahuman Ring Air Ultrahuman Ring Air Lightweight build, comfortable fit • PowerPlug platform has potential • AFib detection MSRP: $349.00 Lightweight smart ring. The Ultrahuman Ring Air brings health tracking to a lightweight ring form factor, and without mandatory subscription fees. See price at Amazon The Ultrahuman Ring Air delivers a dedicated fitness focus with a unique platform. In addition to tracking the basics, the company's Power Plugs program allows users to add more tools to their arsenal, including regionally available AFib detection. What to look for in a good smart ring Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority Choosing a smart ring can feel overwhelming at first. With so many models offering overlapping features, it helps to zero in on what matters most to you. Are you mainly looking for a discreet health tracker, or do you want to monitor sleep and stress more closely? Maybe you're simply after a subtle way to stay connected, without relying on a smartwatch you already own. Some smart rings are best used as companion devices, while others deliver a surprisingly robust standalone experience. Most smart rings may look similar, but they offer a broad range of features and specs. Beyond looks and core functionality, things like battery life, price, and app support can seriously impact your overall experience. These are key areas to think through before clicking checkout: Wellness tracking: Health and fitness tracking capabilities vary widely between rings, not just in which metrics are tracked, but also in the quality of the insights offered. Make sure any ring you're considering covers the basics you care about, like heart rate, sleep, and activity tracking. If you're serious about health data, look for options that go further with features like readiness scores, temperature sensing, or SpO2 monitoring. Health and fitness tracking capabilities vary widely between rings, not just in which metrics are tracked, but also in the quality of the insights offered. Make sure any ring you're considering covers the basics you care about, like heart rate, sleep, and activity tracking. If you're serious about health data, look for options that go further with features like readiness scores, temperature sensing, or SpO2 monitoring. Battery life: Unlike smartwatches, smart rings don't have power-hungry displays, so they tend to last longer between charges. Still, battery life can range from 2 days to a full week, depending on the model and usage. Pick a ring that suits your routine, especially if you want to wear it overnight for sleep tracking (which I highly recommend). Unlike smartwatches, smart rings don't have power-hungry displays, so they tend to last longer between charges. Still, battery life can range from 2 days to a full week, depending on the model and usage. Pick a ring that suits your routine, especially if you want to wear it overnight for sleep tracking (which I highly recommend). Fit and finish: Most smart rings feature similar internal components, but you'll find a range of sizes, materials, and finishes from brand to brand. Comfort is critical, so make sure the ring you choose fits snugly enough to be worn all day and night. Materials like titanium and ceramic are ideal for durability. The colorway and design should match your personal style. Most smart rings feature similar internal components, but you'll find a range of sizes, materials, and finishes from brand to brand. Comfort is critical, so make sure the ring you choose fits snugly enough to be worn all day and night. Materials like titanium and ceramic are ideal for durability. The colorway and design should match your personal style. Price: Some premium smart rings can cost as much as a high-end smartwatch, and that's before factoring in any recurring subscription fees, which some brands charge to unlock full app features. Consider the cost of ownership when choosing the right ring for your budget. Some premium smart rings can cost as much as a high-end smartwatch, and that's before factoring in any recurring subscription fees, which some brands charge to unlock full app features. Consider the cost of ownership when choosing the right ring for your budget. Companion app: The app is where you'll actually engage with your data, so don't overlook it. Look for one that's easy to navigate, visually clear, and offers meaningful insights. The app is where you'll actually engage with your data, so don't overlook it. Look for one that's easy to navigate, visually clear, and offers meaningful insights. Ecosystem integration: Some rings, like the Samsung Galaxy Ring or Amazfit Helio Ring, are tightly integrated into their respective ecosystems. If you already use a Samsung phone or Zepp app, those might be natural picks. Consider how well a smart ring will work with your other devices and services before buying. Some rings, like the Samsung Galaxy Ring or Amazfit Helio Ring, are tightly integrated into their respective ecosystems. If you already use a Samsung phone or Zepp app, those might be natural picks. Consider how well a smart ring will work with your other devices and services before buying. Additional features: Some smart rings offer niche but useful extras. These might include NFC support for contactless payments, haptic feedback for silent alarms, or even gesture controls for interacting with your phone. While not essential, these features can add convenience or a more interactive experience. Why you should trust me Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I've spent the last several years professionally reviewing wearables across the board—from smart rings and smartwatches to fitness trackers and heart rate monitors. My experience with finger-based devices began with an early-generation Oura Ring and has since expanded to more than a dozen alternatives. For every smart ring I test, I wear it 24 hours a day, over multiple days, evaluating performance during workouts, sleep, travel, and everyday routines. That includes everything from heart rate accuracy and battery life to comfort, app integration, and practical usability. I've tested the market's leading smart extensively, zeroing in on wellness and workout tracking, sleep detection, and real-world functionality. My approach to reviewing smart rings focuses on both standard user experience and technical accuracy. Once I assess a ring's comfort, fit, and design, I compare its health data against trusted benchmarks, including chest strap heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and pulse oximeters. I also test each ring alongside comparable models to get a full picture of where it excels, where it falls short, and how it stands up to leading devices (especially Oura). I don't just evaluate from a personal perspective, but also consider broader use cases. If a smart ring is designed to work best within a particular device ecosystem, I test it accordingly. If it's built for athletes or recovery-focused users, I explore its training tools and performance tracking features in depth compared to alternative fitness tracking form factors. I do my best to consider every feature each ring touts and weigh their contributions to the device's overall value. What do you look for in a smart ring? 0 votes Wellness tracking NaN % Extended battery life NaN % A comfortable fit and attractive finish NaN % An approachable price NaN % A powerful companion app NaN % Ecosystem integration with my existing devices NaN % Niche features NaN % Other NaN % In short, whether it's a silent haptic alarm at 6 a.m. or monitoring recovery after a hard workout, I look at whether a smart ring truly delivers on its promises and whether it's worth your money. Of course, that also includes a close look at pricing, factoring in subscription fees vs one-time purchases and long-term software support vs unreliable companion apps. My belief is that a smart ring should be a seamless health companion, and I evaluate every single one as such.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Opinion: Trump budget bill would end health insurance for 650K North Carolinians
With the health care landscape facing significant shifts, there has never been a more important time to expand consumer-directed health care services. As policymakers consider changes that could reshape Medicaid, potentially reducing federal support by $793 billion over the next decade, states like North Carolina have a unique opportunity to lead with innovation and compassion. By expanding consumer-directed services, we can empower individuals to make choices that best suit their needs, even in the face of fiscal challenges. One in four North Carolina residents are enrolled in Medicaid. This program for lower-income individuals not only provides health care, but also funds nursing homes and long-term services and supports that are required by people with disabilities or who are aging in place. Through Medicaid expansion, North Carolina was able to offer support to more people with disabilities and people who are 65 or older. These individuals account for 23% of Medicaid enrollees. They, like thousands of others, are fearful of how their health and wellbeing may be impacted in light of proposed Medicaid changes. The bill currently being discussed in the U.S. Senate has provisions that may jeopardize enhanced federal matching funds for Medicaid expansion, which could immediately end health insurance coverage for the more than 650,000 North Carolinians who benefit from Medicaid expansion. Overall, North Carolina could face federal Medicaid funding cuts of $32 billion over the next decade, but the state has the chance to protect and uplift those who rely on Medicaid by investing in flexible, person-centered solutions that put people in charge of their support. North Carolina's consumer-directed care programs include person-centered planning and budget management, which promote greater independence, higher satisfaction, and better health care outcomes for participants. If Medicaid is not protected, the proposed cuts may put valuable consumer-direction programs and the people they serve at increased risk. Programs like Community Alternative Program for Children and Disabled Adults and Coordinated Caregiving enable participants to hire family members or other trusted caregivers, reduce administrative overhead, and avoid unnecessary or institutional services. People can safely stay in their homes and communities rather than in high-cost settings like hospitals or nursing facilities With the aid of financial management service providers, individuals in consumer-direction programs have support in navigating the details that come with becoming an employer. An FMS helps manage payroll, taxes and budgets, and can provide guidance when it comes to hiring, supervising, and even firing personal care assistants. It also provides an extra layer of accountability, helping ensure compliance with a program's rules. With this behind-the-scenes support, individuals can focus on what matters most: their health, autonomy, and quality of life. The person-centered approach of consumer-directed programs leads to more efficient use of Medicaid funds and long-term savings. While institutional care costs generally exceed $90,000 per year, similar home and community-based services — such as homemaker services and home health aide services that are often consumer directed in programs like CAP/C, CAP/DA, and Coordinated Caregiving — cost approximately $68,000 annually, as tracked by Genworth's Cost of Care survey. Proposed cuts that impact Medicaid funding formulas raise concerns that North Carolina could resort to reduced services to make the math work. Some options to accommodate reduced funding could include changing eligibility requirements, making it more difficult for people to participate in a program; reducing provider payments; and revisiting benefits and services to reduce or eliminate some items currently covered. For individuals, they may see authorized budgets fall, which would likely have knock-on effects, from reducing a caregiver's employment hours or pay rate to limiting access to the vital supports to maintain independence and quality of life. Proposed changes to Medicaid are not yet certain, and North Carolinians still have time to make their voices heard. The state should continue to look to its proven solution of consumer-direction to serve more people who need long-term services and supports. Even more individuals could be supported at a lower cost, less restrictive, more comfortable settings, and for those looking ahead to future care needs, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is the place to start for consumer-direction information. Home and community-based services funded by Medicaid are not a luxury. They are a core strategy for delivering high-quality, cost-effective, medically necessary, and critical care for North Carolina's most vulnerable populations in a way that allows for choice and control. More: Opinion: NC's HOP program has led to healthier residents, lower medical costs. It needs funding More: Opinion: Fallout from Big Beautiful Bill voted for by Chuck Edwards would be far-reaching Terrasel Jones is a Director of Operations for GT Independence, a financial management service provider that supports people choosing consumer-direction in North Carolina. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Opinion: Trump budget cuts funds for Medicaid and most vulnerable
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
7 States with the Best Family and Medical Leave Programs — and How They Could Affect Your Finances
For decades, maternity leave was placed in the hands of businesses and their human resource departments. Paid time off to care for a newborn, not to mention job protection for new parents, varied dramatically between companies. In 1993, then-President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to provide unpaid job protection for U.S. workers on leave to care for family members or newborns. Discover More: Find Out: It was an important first step toward supporting parents in the workplace, as well as workers who would eventually become the 'sandwich generation,' the cohort currently caring for children and aging parents. In 2002, California introduced a state-administered family medical leave program, followed by New Jersey and Rhode Island, according to the Department of Labor website. It wasn't until decades later, in 2017, that New York joined these states, introducing the most robust Paid Family Leave program at the time. The legislation kicked off a trend of state programs that support families caring for young children, older adults, ill or injured family members, and military families with a deployed spouse. 'For years, paid leave just wasn't on the radar in most states. When New York introduced PFL in 2017, phasing in the benefits up to the maximum of 67% of an employee's average weekly wage, it launched a trend,' Michael S. Cohen, president and CEO of The DBL Center, a New York-based insurance wholesaler, said. 'Now, 13 states and Washington D.C. require employers to provide paid family and medical leave, with two more starting in 2026.' Another 10 states have voluntary paid family leave programs, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. Your state's paid family and medical leave policies can affect how you plan for maternity leave or the steps you take if you're caring for an older parent or other family member. In states that offer PFML, 12 weeks is the standard benefit duration. Most states allow you to take incremental leave in hours or days, which can be handy to plan for things like doctor's appointments or if you're sharing caregiving duties with another family member. The premium cost is typically 1% or less of an employee's pre-tax wages and is sometimes shared between the employer and employee. The difference in your paycheck is negligible for a benefit that can help so many families. New couples planning for children may want to consider state PFML policies before they buy a home, especially if they have job flexibility or can work remotely. Salary continuity of $1,000+ per week, in some cases, can make a big difference when you're planning for a baby. In the case of remote workers, most employees will file for PFML in the state where they work, regardless of where the company's office is located, according to Cohen. However, employers may not always be aware of state laws outside their home state, so it's important for workers to understand the benefits available. PFML is available for both the birthing and non-birthing parent, so a couple can take their 12 weeks separately, eliminating potential daycare costs for the first six months of an infant's life. The DBL Center recently released a list of 7 states with the best PFML programs available through private carriers. 'The cost savings and personalized service provided when businesses can write PFML through a private carrier exceeds anything offered through any of the state insurance funds,' Cohen explained. 'Plus, when a business owner privatizes required benefits, a knowledgeable broker can help them use that savings on dental, vision, long-term care or group life insurance. Workers and business owners both win with better benefits.' To calculate the best states for PFML, The DBL Center factored in the maximum weekly benefit; the cost of the premium and whether it's funded by employees, employers, or shared; and which businesses are required to provide the benefit. Then, it compared the maximum benefit to the cost of living in that state to determine which state offered the best benefit relative to the cost of living. Here are the 7 states where you'll get the most bang for your buck if you have to file a PFML claim. State Max. Weekly Benefit Colorado $1,324.21 Oregon $1,568 New York $1,177.32 New Jersey $1,081 Delaware $900 Connecticut $981 Massachusetts $1,170.64 'Minnesota and Maryland will roll out paid family and medical leave starting in 2026,' Cohen confirmed. Until the U.S. introduces a federal program, states with PFML offer new parents and anyone caring for a loved one a financial benefit to make challenging times easier. Understanding the benefits available in your state can help you take advantage of these programs when you need them. More From GOBankingRates 8 Common Mistakes Retirees Make With Their Social Security Checks This article originally appeared on 7 States with the Best Family and Medical Leave Programs — and How They Could Affect Your Finances Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
