Insurance & Benefits Guide for St. Paul
Complete guide to PFML, health insurance, and employee benefits for St. Paul residents and employers
Minnesota PFML in St. Paul
Overview
As Minnesota's capital city, St. Paul has a significant concentration of government employees alongside private sector workers. With over 313,000 residents, St. Paul is expected to see approximately 11,000 PFML claims in 2026.
Leave Duration
Up to 12 weeks per leave type, 20 weeks maximum combined
Benefit Amount
55%-90% of wages, up to $1,423 per week maximum
Eligibility
Earned at least $3,900 in Minnesota wages in past year
Critical St. Paul Consideration: ESST + PFML
St. Paul has its own Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance that works alongside state PFML. Understanding coordination is essential for St. Paul workers and employers.
St. Paul ESST Requirements:
- •Employers with 6+ employees: Must provide paid sick time
- •Accrual rate: 1 hour per 30 hours worked
- •Coordination with PFML: Use ESST first for short absences, then PFML for extended leaves
- •Government employees: May have additional benefits through collective bargaining
Major St. Paul Employers Covered by PFML
Note for State Employees: If you work for the State of Minnesota, you may have additional leave benefits through collective bargaining agreements. PFML works alongside these benefits.
Free PFML Help in St. Paul
Ramsey County Human Services
Free PFML application assistance, benefits counseling, eligibility screening
St. Paul MNsure Navigator Office
Walk-in help, appointments available, multilingual support
St. Paul Community Organizations
Neighborhood House
PFML and benefits assistance for St. Paul residents
(651) 789-2500
Hmong American Partnership
Hmong-language enrollment support
(651) 495-9160
Karen Organization of Minnesota
Karen community benefits counseling
(651) 659-1617
St. Paul NAACP
Community advocacy and benefits assistance
(651) 290-2266
Health Insurance in St. Paul
MNsure Plans in Ramsey County
St. Paul residents have access to 45 different health insurance plans through MNsure for 2026.
| Plan Tier | Avg Premium | Deductible | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $470-570 | $6,500-8,000 | Healthy, minimal care needed |
| Silver | $570-700 | $3,000-5,000 | Most St. Paul residents |
| Gold | $700-870 | $1,000-2,500 | Frequent medical care |
| Platinum | $870-1,080 | $0-750 | Chronic conditions |
State Employees: If you work for the State of Minnesota, you likely have employer-sponsored insurance. However, you can still compare MNsure plans during open enrollment to see if you qualify for better rates or subsidies.
Health Insurance for St. Paul Situations
State Government Employees
State employees typically receive comprehensive benefits. However, if you're part-time or contract, you may need individual coverage through MNsure.
Self-Employed & Small Business Owners
St. Paul has a vibrant small business community. Individual MNsure plans offer competitive rates with subsidies available based on income (up to $60,240 for individuals).
Between Jobs
Job change qualifies you for Special Enrollment. MNsure plans typically save $400-600/month compared to COBRA.
For St. Paul Employers
PFML Compliance Requirements
St. Paul Employers: Dual Compliance Required
You must comply with BOTH:
1. St. Paul ESST (City)
- • Employers with 6+ employees
- • 1 hour per 30 hours worked
- • Sick and safe time coverage
2. Minnesota PFML (State)
- • ALL employers (even 1 employee)
- • 0.88% payroll premium
- • Extended leave coverage
PFML Premium Rates
Standard Rate (30+ employees)
Small Business Rate (<30 employees)
St. Paul-Specific FAQ
I work for the State of Minnesota - am I eligible for PFML?
Yes! State employees are covered by PFML. However, you likely have additional leave benefits through collective bargaining agreements. PFML works alongside these benefits, not in place of them.
How does St. Paul ESST differ from Minneapolis ESST?
Both cities have similar ESST ordinances with the same accrual rate (1 hour per 30 worked). The main differences are in enforcement and specific covered reasons. Both work the same way with PFML: use ESST first for short absences, PFML for extended leaves.
Do I qualify for PFML if I work in St. Paul but live in Minneapolis?
Yes! PFML eligibility is based on working in Minnesota, not your city of residence. As long as you work in Minnesota and meet wage requirements, you're covered.
Are health insurance costs different in St. Paul vs Minneapolis?
St. Paul (Ramsey County) premiums are very similar to Minneapolis (Hennepin County), typically within 2-3%. Both are slightly higher than Greater Minnesota due to metro healthcare costs.
I'm a small business owner in St. Paul. Do I have to offer PFML?
PFML is a state program, not an employer benefit. You don't 'offer' it - you contribute premiums through payroll. ALL Minnesota employers (even with 1 employee) must participate. Small businesses (<30 employees) get reduced rates.
Ready to Navigate Your St. Paul Benefits?
Use our free tools to calculate your PFML benefits or compare health insurance plans