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*****IMPORTANT MESSAGE*****
SAME SEX MARRIAGES FOR SPOUSAL COVERAGE RECOGNIZED
UNDER NEW YORK STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM [NYSHIP]
The NCCFT has received word that effective May 1, 2007, the Department of Civil Service "recognizes, as spouses, the parties to any same sex marriage performed in jurisdictions where that marriage is legal". Same sex marriages from the following jurisdictions are eligible: Massachusetts, Canada [all provinces], Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
By executive order of Gov. Spitzer, recognition of these same sex marriages extends spousal benefits in all NYSHIP benefit programs, including the Empire Plan. All NYSHIP participating entities , including local government agencies and public authorities, MUST recognize such same sex marriages as eligible for spousal benefits. [Recognition of these spouses is mandatory by all NYSHIP participants, including the County of Nassau & the College.]
To implement this change, a special enrollment period, from May 1, 2007, to May 31, 2007, has been created, without regard to the usual enrollment effective date rules. Employees effected by this change should contact the College's Human Resources office.
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