New York State
opens benefits enrollment for married LGBT government
employees

The New York State Department of Civil Service has announced a special open enrollment period for state and local LGBT employees who hold a marriage license from Canada or any other jurisdiction where same-sex marriage is legal and want to sign up their partner for benefits provided through the New York State Health Insurance Program. The special enrollment period began May 1 and will conclude May 31, the Empire State Pride Agenda said in a press release.

"This policy furthers Governor Spitzer's recently announced intention to create civil marriage equality for all New Yorkers," said commissioner Nancy G. Groenwegen in a press release issued by the Department of Civil Service. "Health insurance benefits are an important part of the advantages and protections extended to married couples regardless of sex."

Based on an initiative that was announced alongside Gov. Eliot Spitzer's marriage bill, 800 local government entities across the state that participate in NYSHIP's Empire Plan are now required to offer spousal benefits to the partners of LGBT employees.

"We are glad New York is moving to provide state and local government employees who are married to same-sex spouses access to the same benefits all other married government workers receive," said Empire State Pride Agenda executive director Alan Van Capelle. "Having access to employer-based benefits for a spouse is fundamental to being able to take care of one's family. This decision by the NYS Civil Service Department makes families stronger in New York." (The Advocate)