Rules Get Revised on How Medicaid Treats Gay Couples

When one partner is in a nursing home and the tab is being paid by Medicaid, no longer should the other partner be put at risk of becoming homeless, the federal government announced today.

Under the direction of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius, states are expressly given the freedom to treat gay couples just like any other couple, who would be afforded protections from losing their home in order to pay the bills.

"Low-income same-sex couples are too often denied equal treatment and the protections offered to other families in their greatest times of need," said Sebelius in a statement announcing clarification of federal requirements. "This is now changing. Today's guidance represents another important step toward ensuring that the rights and dignity of every American are respected by their government."

Read more about the specific guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the letter sent to states.