[SchoolFinance] Processing PFML benefit payments

[Dawn Fickett]

Adam,
Did they offer that service to you as we are under Guardian as well and no
one has mentioned that to me.  I had a zoom meeting last week and they did
not indicate that was an option.  That was the first I heard about us
having to pay the FICA match.
Dawn

On Thu, Mar 19, 2026 at 8:25 AM Adam Hanson <
ahanson at lewistonpublicschools.org> wrote:

> We are using The Guardian through MSMA for a private plan. We are paying
> them an additional fee to handle all of the payments and reporting of
> FICA/Medicare taxes. We think it is well worth it as it would be incredibly
> difficult and burdensome for our payroll staff to try to pay and report all
> of that.
>
> I haven't heard anything about the state PFML payments being Maine PERS
> earnable comp. Did they issue guidance on that?
>
> Thank you.
>
> On Wed, Mar 18, 2026 at 2:52 PM Krol, Gabrielle <gabrielle.krol at msad52.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Good Afternoon,
>>
>> Have any of you discussed with your private company who will pay the
>> benefits if an employee applies for coverage? We have found that the PFML
>> payments will partially be subject to employer FICA/Medicare (for half of
>> the benefits since the district is covering that portion).  In addition, it
>> seems that MainePERS will also consider this earnable compensation and
>> contributions will need to be made for the benefits.
>>
>> We are trying to determine if it is best for the provider to pay the
>> district and we will pay the employee so we can ensure that employer taxes
>> are paid, MSRS is paid properly, and I am sure other things that I am not
>> thinking of at the moment.
>>
>> I am seeing this law as something that is spiraling!
>>
>> Thoughts and comments are welcome.
>>
>> Thank you!
>>
>>
>> --
>> Gabrielle Krol
>> Business Manager
>> MSAD 52
>> 486 Turner Center Road
>> Turner, ME 04282
>> 207-225-1006
>> _______________________________________________
>> SchoolFinance mailing list
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>
>
>
> --
> Adam Hanson
> Controller
> Lewiston Public Schools
> 36 Oak Street
> Lewiston, ME 04240
> Phone: (207) 795-4100, ext. 4051
> Fax: (207) 795-4177
>
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-- 




*Dawn L. FickettAssistant SuperintendentRSU/SAD #37*
*1020 Sacarap Road*


*Harrington ME 04643Telephone: 207-483-2734Fax: 207-483-6051*

*"The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from
you." *— *B.B. King*
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