Domestic Partner Benefits
New Benefits Eligibility Criteria Issued for 2008
Message from Laurita Thomas, Assoc. Vice President for Human Resources
June 18, 2007
The University of Michigan recognizes that health insurance is a benefit of vital importance to our faculty and staff. With your help, we have worked hard to find a solution to the challenges raised by the recent court of appeals decision regarding same-sex partner benefits. I am writing to update you on this important work, and to notify you of a new set of benefits eligibility requirements that will take effect Jan. 1, 2008.
UPDATE ON STATUS OF SSDP BENEFITS
As you may know, U-M benefits for same-sex domestic partners (SSDP) will conclude at the end of 2007 to comply with the current Michigan Court of Appeals ruling on same-sex partner benefits. Although the Michigan Supreme Court has recently agreed to hear an appeal, and we hope the appeal will be successful, our work must continue to implement a lawful solution that offers the best possible opportunity for those who are currently receiving benefits to continue to receive them.
We believe these efforts have successfully resulted in a set of eligibility criteria that comply with the court ruling. Our appreciation goes to those of you who contacted me, the Benefits Office and Associate Vice President Gloria Hage in the Office of the General Counsel to voice your concerns and underscore the importance of this issue to our community and to the recruitment and retention of the best faculty and staff. We are particularly grateful to those who helped us learn more by participating in recent focus groups on the subject, and to Jackie Simpson of the LGBTA Office for her collaboration.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR OTHER QUALIFIED ADULT
Effective Jan. 1, 2008, a new category of dependent called Other Qualified Adult (OQA) is being offered to all benefits-eligible U-M employees. A set of specific eligibility requirements defines the criteria required for OQA coverage. You can view the requirements on the Benefits Office Web site at http://www.umich.edu/~benefits/eligibility/index.htm
Letters have recently begun being mailed to all faculty and staff currently covering a same-sex domestic partner to notify them of the new set of eligibility criteria that must be met for coverage in 2008 as an Other Qualified Adult. Enrollment as an OQA will be offered during Open Enrollment in October for coverage in 2008 and will be offered to new employees who meet the eligibility criteria.
Questions about the criteria can be directed to benefits.office@umich.edu
Laurita Thomas
Assoc. Vice President for Human Resources
Court Ruling on Employee Benefits
A message from Laurita Thomas, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
February 2, 2007
Colleagues,
In 2004 the voters in Michigan approved a constitutional amendment defining marriage as "a union between one man and one woman." A lawsuit was brought against the state by the ACLU and others to clarify whether the amendment prohibits public institutions from offering health benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of employees. In 2005, the Ingham Circuit Court ruled that the amendment did not prohibit such benefits.
However, today the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that the marriage amendment "prohibits public employers from recognizing same-sex unions for any purpose," including the provision of employee health benefits. We are deeply disappointed by this ruling. It is our understanding that the ACLU plans to appeal this decision to the Michigan Supreme Court and seek an immediate stay while the case is appealed. We will continue to support these efforts.
In addition, the law allows us to honor our commitments to provide agreed-upon benefits through the end of the calendar year, or through the end of the current contract for bargained-for employee groups.
As an employer, we offer benefits to our employees and their dependents in order to recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. Our benefits program allows us to be competitive with peer institutions, including private universities, across the country. It also clearly demonstrates our commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We will continue to promote access to health benefits for our employees and their families.
If you have questions about your U-M benefits, please contact the HR Service Center at (734) 615-2000.
Laurita Thomas
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Common Concerns
How does this decision affect faculty and staff?
Many children of faculty and staff rely on these benefits in order to access the best available medical care. These include children with cancer and other serious medical conditions, who rely on these benefits to obtain the medical care needed to survive.
In numerous instances these benefits enable a staff or faculty member’s same-sex partner to stay home on a full or part time basis to provide quality parenting and childcare.
Faculty and staff with partners who have chronic health conditions must confront the possibility of not being able to afford health coverage and life-saving medications.
What can I do?
Collaborate with an organization already working on trying to repeal the original amendment. One suggestion: Triangle Foundation
The Triangle Foundation is collecting stories of the many individuals, families and children whose healthcare benefits are in jeopardy because of the court ruling, tell you personal story at http://www.tri.org/protectourfamilies/stories.php
Talk to everyone you know about this judgment and it’s consequences.
What can I do as an Ally?
Express support to a colleague or friend who has been affected by this ruling.
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