The premium rate, like the Family Leave Benefit amount, is set as a percentage of an employee’s wage.  Thus, the premium paid by an employee depends on how much an employee earns:  those earning less will pay a lower premium, and those earning more will pay a higher premium as they are eligible for higher benefits, up to the maximum Family Leave Benefits for 2021 of 67% of the statewide average weekly wage.  Employees whose income is at or above the statewide average weekly wage are eligible only for the maximum Family Leave Benefit amount, and therefore their premiums will be a percentage of the statewide average weekly wage.   Accordingly, based on commonly accepted actuarial principles, the Superintendent has determined that the premium rate for Family Leave Benefits for coverage beginning January 1, 2021 shall be 0.506%, plus 0.005% for the Risk Adjustment for the COVID-19 claims paid under Chapter 25 of the Laws of 2020, for a total of 0.511% of an employee’s wages each pay period up to and not to exceed an annual maximum employee contribution of $385.34.  If an employee’s contributions reach the annual maximum employee contribution of $385.34 before the end of the calendar year, the employee shall not be liable for any additional contributions for that year.  Employers shall collect employee contributions consistent with this Decision.