Same-Sex Marriage Ruling Has Huge Impact On Private, Public Employers
The Wall Street Journal examines the implications for companies that offer spousal health benefits and fund those through a separate insurance company, as well as for those that are self-insured. The Texas Tribune reports that starting Wednesday, employees of Texas government agencies, universities and schools can enroll a same-sex spouse in their benefit program. And Modern Healthcare delves into the implications for Medicaid programs.
The Wall Street Journal:
What Employers Need To Know About Court’s Gay-Marriage Ruling
The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, meaning that same-sex marriages must be recognized nationwide. The ruling will have vast implications for employers, which until now have been operating under a patchwork of different state and federal laws governing the legal and tax treatment of same-sex unions. ... Companies that offer spousal health benefits and use a separate insurance company to fund their benefits will now be required to cover both gay and straight spouses. ... But companies that are self-insured, which means they assume the insurance risks for their own employees, a common practice among large companies, aren’t under the same legal constraints. (Silverman, 6/30)
The Texas Tribune:
Spouses Of Gay Public Employees Eligible for Benefits
As of Wednesday, public employers including Texas agencies, universities and schools will allow current and retired gay and lesbian employees to enroll their same-sex spouses in the same benefit programs and services available to opposite-sex couples. (Ura, 7/1)
Modern Healthcare:
Marriage Ruling Brings Medicaid Costs And Benefits For Same-Sex Spouses
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision last week to legalize same-sex marriage across the country will have mixed effects for same-sex couples when it comes to Medicaid.
In Obergefell v. Hodges, the court ruled 5-4 that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. Prior to the ruling, same-sex marriage only was allowed in 37 states and the District of Columbia.
Experts say the ruling will affect coverage rules for both Medicaid medical and long-term-care benefits. (Dickson, 6/30)
