Feds Offer Health Benefits to Children of Domestic Partners

A new federal rule issued last week will allow more children of same-sex couples in which one or both spouses work for the federal government to obtain health care.

The Office of Personnel Management announced October 30 that it was amending the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program to allow federal workers living in states where same-sex marriage is illegal but are in domestic partnerships to enroll their children. The final rule takes effect January 1. The same amendment applies to the program covering vision and dental benefits.

OPM officials acknowledged in a statement that they recognize the legalities around same-sex marriage are in flux and that the agency may have to adjust eligibility rules accordingly.

“We recognize that the legal landscape is rapidly changing, and certain states that currently do not allow same-sex couples to marry may soon allow them to do so,” the statement read. “Same-sex couples may also relocate from states where they cannot marry to states where they are permitted to marry. The possibility that the relevant state marriage laws may change mid-year has the potential to create significant administrative difficulties.”

http://www.advocate.com/parenting/2013/11/06/feds-offer-health-benefits-children-domestic-partners