08/06/2009
2009 Domestic Partnership Law waits for possible implementation
Washington state recently passed Senate Bill 5688, the 2009 Domestic Partnership Law, which expands the rights and responsibilities for health carriers to incorporate domestic partner coverage into their benefit plans. The law was scheduled to take effect on July 26, 2009, but the implementation is on hold pending Referendum 71. The sponsors of Referendum 71 filed signatures on July 25, 2009, and are waiting for them to be verified by the Office of the Secretary of State's Elections Division. If a sufficient number of valid signatures are confirmed, the question of whether to repeal Senate Bill 5688 will go on the ballot in November. If the Elections Division finds there are not enough valid signatures, Senate Bill 5688 will become effective immediately. This process does not affect the previous domestic partnership laws passed in 2007 and 2008.
Currently, we already offer domestic partner coverage to our group members on a per-request basis. If the group chooses to include this coverage, members seeking domestic partner coverage must complete an affidavit and submit the form to us.
We will keep you apprised of the status of The 2009 Domestic Partnership Law and any changes to our coverage options.
If you have any questions, please talk to your Regence Sales contact.
« Back to Communications
|
