Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
Supporting Your Growing FamilyPaid Parental Leave (PPL) Policy
Benefits & Guidelines
All US full-time exempt Team Members are eligible for Paid Parental Leave (PPL) to support families after the birth, adoption, surrogacy, or legal placement of a child. This policy covers birthing mothers and all eligible non-birthing parents, including dads and domestic partners.
Further Reading: Michaels Announces Enhanced Paid Leave Programs (Feb. 5, 2023)
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How PPL Works
| Program Features | |
|---|---|
| Waiting period from hire date | |
| None, as long as the qualifying event occurred on or after Feb. 5 of the plan year. | |
| Benefit amount | |
| Up to 8 weeks of full pay1 for each parent/guardian Team Member. | |
| Application process | |
| Apply directly with Matrix using existing leave process and documentation requirements. | |
| Concurrent policies | |
| PPL hours are applied to any qualifying paid or unpaid family and medical leaves, unless otherwise dictated by applicable federal, state, provincial or local law. | If applicable and approved, PPL for birth mothers covered by Michaels Short-Term Disability (STD)2 is paid concurrently3 through the first 8 weeks of PPL. |
| 1This is your usual pay rate in effect when you first became disabled. It does not include bonuses, overtime pay, extra benefits or compensation. 2The STD benefit will be paid based on the duration of disability. Generally, the duration for maternity disability is up to 6 weeks following a normal delivery and up to 8 weeks following a C-section. 3STD is not available in California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Washington or New Jersey. |
|
Guidelines for Use of PPL Hours
- PPL time cannot be used before the birth or effective date of the event (unless required by applicable laws); time off needed before the date should be covered by other types of paid leave, e.g., personal, vacation or sick time.
- Team Members have a choice to use all paid leave, and/or PPL in accordance with Company policies and applicable laws.
- PPL will be paid first and then the Team Member can elect to use sick, personal and vacation hours.
- PPL hours are available throughout the first year following the qualifying event, not just immediately after birth or placement.
- Covered Team Members receiving STD benefits for the birth of a child must fully exhaust those benefits before requesting the remaining PPL balance within first year following the event.
- For Team Members not receiving STD pay, full PPL balance available for use as needed throughout child’s first year with the family.
- PPL may be used more than once, but not within the same 12-month period, unless required by applicable law.
- Where applicable, PPL follows the same 12-month, rolling backward period as U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave.
Video Overview of Leave, Disability & Voluntary Benefits
Request Leave
Get Support
For assistance, contact Team Member Services at 855-432-MIKE (6453) and select option 2, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. You can also open a Knowledge Zone support ticket.
Guidance for Filing Claims with Reliance Matrix
How-To Guides
- Easy Access Claims Filing - Process flow overview for filing claims with Reliance Matrix.
- Filing Claims with Reliance Matrix - Applies to Leave of Absence (LOA), Disability, and Voluntary benefits.
- How to File Claims for Short-Term Disability (STD) & Family Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA)
- How to File Claims for Voluntary Accident, Hospital Indemnity & Critical Illness
- Download the Matrix eServices App
Important Note About Claims for Kaiser Members
Team Members who are enrolled in a Kaiser medical plan must complete an authorization release form in order to file a claim with Reliance Matrix.
- Reliance Matrix will provide you with the authorization release form to sign and return.
- This form is required in order for Reliance Matrix to obtain the required medical certification from your physician.
- Failure to provide the signed authorization release form to Reliance Matrix will result in your claim being denied.
File Your Claim(s) Online with Reliance Matrix
Provider
Reliance Matrix
Disability, Life & AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-351-7500
Quick Links
Wellness Requirement Verification
Confirm Your Wellness Activity
Michaels offers you and your spouse/domestic partner an opportunity every year to pay a lower medical premium. If you and your spouse/domestic partner are enrolled in a Michaels full-time medical plan, you both must complete an annual wellness exam between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 to avoid a $780 per person surcharge on your 2025-2026 medical premiums.
Our records show that you and/or your spouse/domestic partner have not completed the wellness requirement and will NOT be eligible for the lower medical premium each month. If you are subject to the surcharge, your monthly premium for medical coverage WILL INCREASE beginning with the August 8, 2025 paycheck.
Wellness exams can take up to 45 days after the date of service to be reported to Michaels. We ask for your patience while we partner with our vendors to get confirmation.
If You Think Our Records Are Incorrect
If you believe our records are incorrect, and all wellness activities have been completed, please complete the Wellness Activity Confirmation form on this page by June 30, 2025, and we will begin a review. Please provide all requested data so that we can quickly resolve your dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How much will my premium increase?
If you and/or your spouse/domestic partner do not complete a wellness exam, your premium will increase by $30 per person per pay period. If both you and your spouse/domestic partner do not complete a wellness exam, it will increase by $60 per pay period. You will see the wellness surcharge added as a separate deduction on your paycheck details.
If I get my wellness exam after June 30, 2026, will I still receive a surcharge?
Yes, the last day to get a wellness exam for the next plan year is June 30, 2026.
Do I need to submit a separate form for each disputed charge – i.e., self and spouse separately?
You may submit one dispute form for both you and your spouse/domestic partner.
Do I need to open a case for Team Member Services separately?
No, the submission of this form will be reviewed by the Benefits team and each case will be investigated through the appropriate medical insurance carrier. If a ticket is submitted, your ticket will automatically be closed.
What information do I need to complete the form?
You will need to provide your team member ID, legal name, date of birth, email, contact phone number, date of wellness exam, and the name of the medical provider for the individual the charge is being disputed for.
What happens after the dispute is submitted?
If the dispute is denied, the Team Member will be contacted with an explanation. If the dispute is affirmed, the Team Member will avoid paying the surcharge for plan year 2026–2027.
Why was my wellness exam not recorded?
Wellness exams can take up to 45 days after the date of service to be reported to Michaels. We ask for your patience while we partner with our vendors to get confirmation.
How can I avoid my physical not being recorded properly this year?
Monitoring your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements is crucial to ensure accurate reporting of your wellness exam by your physician. In the event that you identify any discrepancies or issues, it is important to take action promptly by contacting your physician and/or insurance company to rectify the situation.
What are the dates when I am supposed to get a wellness exam?
You and your spouse/domestic partner need to complete an annual physical between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. There will be no extension to the deadline.
When will I see my first surcharge?
If we determine that wellness requirements have not been completed by June 30, 2026, beginning with your August 22, 2026, paycheck, you will see the wellness surcharge added as a separate deduction on your check details. The annual wellness surcharge is $780 per person, but the amount per paycheck is only $30 per person or $60 if both the team member and spouse/domestic partner did not get an annual physical before the deadline.
Why was I not told about this surcharge?
Michaels does its best to be transparent and has communicated this information in the open enrollment guide, MIKBenefits.com guide, and several email reminders that were sent throughout the year, beginning in February.
How long do I have to dispute this charge?
You have until September 30, 2026, to dispute this charge. Any disputes after September 30, 2026, will be rejected and a refund will not be issued.
When will the wellness surcharge for the current plan year end?
June 30, 2026.
If I submitted a wellness exam for the last plan year, will I still receive credit for this plan year?
No, you need to complete an annual wellness exam each plan year to receive credit.
Why does Michaels charge team members a wellness surcharge?
Michaels prioritizes the well-being of every team member, supporting their individual wellness journeys and promoting the health of both Team Members and their families. Research has consistently shown that individuals who undergo regular annual physicals are less likely to experience severe illnesses, as potential diagnoses are made in a timely manner or even prevented altogether. By encouraging and facilitating these annual check-ups, Michaels aims to ensure the overall health and longevity of its workforce. Taking proactive measures to maintain the well-being of team members helps us effectively manage corporate expenses and allows us to offer competitive premiums, ultimately benefiting both the organization and its team members.
HR Resources
For legal notices and summary plan descriptions, see Resources > Documents.
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Forms
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Documents
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FAQs
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Communications Library
Digital Communications Archive for HR & People LeadersNewsletters
Latest Edition
Read the summer 2024 edition of the Michaels Benefits newsletter below.
Older Editions
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 |
Email Communications
- June 28: BSWH-BCBSTX Contract Update Notice
- June 21: Wellness Email Correction
- June 19: Wellness Reminder
- June 19: Wellness Requirement Complete
- June 13: BCBSTX ID Card Error
- June 10: Supportiv Webinar
- June 5: Catapult Onsite Screenings
- May 30: Catapult Onsite Screenings
- May 22: BSWH-BCBSTX Contract Update Notice
- May 17: Open Enrollment – Last Day to Enroll
- May 16: Open Enrollment – One Day Left
- May 15: Catapult Onsite Screenings
- May 13: Open Enrollment – One Week Left
- May 9: Catapult Onsite Screenings
- May 6: Open Enrollment – Now Open
- April 29: HR & Manager Open Enrollment Preview
- April 26: Wellness Requirement Complete
- April 24: Vanguard 401(k) Retirement Fund Removal
- April 19: Wellness Reminder
- April 18: Supportiv Webinar
- March 27: Supportiv Reminder
- March 21: Wellness Reminder
- March 7: Applaud Discontinuation
- March 1: Supportiv Announcement
- Feb. 27: Bonus Deferrals
- Feb. 23: Service Award Payment Notification
- Feb. 12: Voya 401(k) is Live
- Jan. 23: Voya 401(k) Blackout Reminder
- Jan. 5: Voya 401(k) Transition Announcement
HR News
Get a First Look at Future Team Member Communicationsblank
Spring 2023 Newsletter
HR Resource Center
Communications Library
A catalog of previous communications, including emails, newsletters, and resource guides.
Open Enrollment
In-depth information that Team Members may need during the next open enrollment period.
Benefits at a Glance
Full-Time Employment Benefits
2nd.MD
Free Expert Medical Advice & Second Opinions for Critical Health ConcernsThis program is for Team Members enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan.
Expert Medical Services
Your medical coverage with BCBSTX includes FREE access to expert medical advice and second opinions for critical health concerns from some of the country’s leading medical providers.
When you’re facing a critical medical decision, 2nd.MD can help you receive the right diagnosis and the right course of treatment — all at no cost to you. They can put you in touch with a board-certified, leading doctor, specializing in your area of need, by video or phone within 3-5 days of your request. The 2nd.MD Care Team will coordinate all the details for you and help you collect the necessary medical records, so you can focus on getting the best care possible.
This benefit is available to all U.S. Team Members and dependents enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan.
Get Started
- Activate your account by visiting 2ndmd.com/michaels or calling 1-866-841-2575.
- Download the 2nd.MD app so that no matter where you are, you can speak a 2nd.MD specialist via video.
Provider
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)
Employment Status Change
How Your Employment Status Change Impacts Your BenefitsWhen your employment status changes from part-time to full-time, or from full-time to part-time, you’ll have different Michaels benefit options.
What's Next for Your Benefits
Changing to Full-Time (Previously Part-Time)
For Team Members who are now full-time: You can choose to end any part-time coverage and any new full-time coverage you elect will begin immediately, as long as: a) you have completed 30 days of employment, and b) you enroll in full-time benefits via Workday within 30 days of the status change.
If you enroll dependents in Michaels full-time medical and/or dental coverage, our third-party vendor, Consova, will mail information to your home address verifying eligibility. Remember, coverage for new dependents may be delayed until you complete the dependent verification process. For more information, visit the Eligibility page.
Changing to Part-Time (Previously Full-Time)
For Team Members who are now part-time: On the 1st of the month following the status change, any full-time medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, disability, critical illness, and accident benefits that you previously elected will end. You can elect part-time health, life, auto, and home coverage by visiting the Mercer Indigo website for Michaels Part-Time Benefits.
Select the appropriate button at the top of your screen (Full-Time or Part-Time) to determine what Michaels benefits are available with your new status.
Regardless of your employment status:
- All Team Members can save for retirement via the 401(k) Plan and receive the same Michaels matching contributions.
- You still have access to all of the same voluntary benefits and discounts.
Helpful Resources
Qualifying Life Events
Like a change in employment status, other life events may qualify you to update your benefit elections outside of the open enrollment period. Follow the link below for more detailed information about qualifying life events and requesting a change in status.
Get Support
For assistance, contact Team Member Services at 855-432-MIKE (6453) and select option 2, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. You can also open a Knowledge Zone support ticket.
SurgeryPlus
Guided Access to Excellent Surgical CareThis program is for Team Members enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan.
Surgical Care Coverage
For planned, non-emergency surgeries, SurgeryPlus provides a personalized concierge experience through a dedicated Care Advocate as well as access to quality care through a network of credentialed health care providers. By using the SurgeryPlus benefit, you may be able to save money through reduced financial responsibility.
When you need to plan a surgery, make SurgeryPlus your first call: 833-552-1694.
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Eligibility
SurgeryPlus is a supplemental benefit offered at no additional cost to Michaels Team Members enrolled in a BCBSTX medical plan.
What's Covered
SurgeryPlus covers the most expensive costs associated with surgery, so you’ll pay less for your procedure. Your coverage includes:
- Dedicated support and guidance
- Access to our network of thousands of highly qualified and carefully selected surgeons
- Consults and appointments with your SurgeryPlus surgeon
- Anesthesia, procedure and facility (hospital) fees
Covered Surgical Procedures
- Knee
- Hip
- Shoulder
- Foot & Ankle
- Wrist & Elbow
- Spine
- General Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- GYN
- Bariatric
- Cardiac
- ENT
Coinsurance & Travel Coverage
Michaels waives your coinsurance for your surgical procedure and travel is covered for you and a companion, as needed.
For more information, including a complete list of available surgeries offered under the SurgeryPlus benefit, log in to the SurgeryPlus portal or call 833-552-1694 to speak with a Care Advocate.
Surgeon Quality
With SurgeryPlus, you have access to the Surgeons of Excellence Network. All SurgeryPlus surgeons are:
- Licensed
- Board certified
- Saving money on healthcare
- Screened for malpractice, sanctions, and criminal records
- Fellowship trained
Full-Service Concierge
SurgeryPlus provides access to a dedicated Care Advocate throughout your health care journey. This full-service concierge will help you:
- Locate the best-fitting Surgeon of Excellence
- Schedule timely appointments
- Coordinate transfer medical records
- Schedule follow-up as necessary
Call 833-552-1694 to speak with a Care Advocate today.
Transparency in Coverage Information
If you would like would like to see pricing information for covered items and services for Surgery Plus network provider rates, follow this link: Provider Pricing Transparency. This link is being provided to you as a fulfillment of our requirement to you to provide transparent pricing information, effective July 1, 2022.
Helpful Resources
To learn more about what’s covered under your SurgeryPlus benefit, log in to the SurgeryPlus portal.
Provider
Lantern
BCBSTX Surgical Care Coverage Program (Formerly Surgery Plus)
Contact Information
Phone: 855-204-3922
Quick Links