Douglas County to weigh extending benefits to gay couples

Source: Omaha World Herald

By Cody Winchester

Douglas County will consider extending benefits to same-sex spouses of county employees who were legally married in other states.

A measure before the County Board on Tuesday would change the definition of an eligible spouse from “legally married spouse” to “the person to whom the employee is legally married, regardless of whether that person is of the same gender or opposite gender of the employee.”

If approved, the change would apply to all county benefits, including health insurance.

The county is self-insured. As drafted, the new language would go into effect Jan. 1, though the board could consider briefly re-opening the sign-up window to allow same-sex spouses of current employees to enroll.

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://www.omaha.com/article/20131202/NEWS/131209886/1685#douglas-county-to-weigh-extending-benefits-to-gay-couples