COLUMBUS (AP) — One of Ohio’s largest counties will offer health coverage to the partners of its gay and unmarried employees.
Franklin County commissioners here voted unanimously Tuesday to extend domestic partner benefits beginning Jan. 1. Those eligible will include the live-in partners of any of the county’s 5,300 workers.
The advocacy group Equality Ohio says it believes the county will be the first in Ohio to insure employees’ partners.
Union leader Marianne Steger says Franklin County’s unions sought the benefit because it’s important from a fairness standpoint and for recruiting.
Most Fortune 500 companies now offer domestic partner coverage.
Commissioner John O’Grady said some may disapprove of the vote but it was the right thing to do.
Comments
Good for Franklin County!!!! I will be curious to know however, if the children of the unmarried couples would also be covered. The way I see it, if this plan is going to work the insurance benefits need to be extended to all member of the household. I would also like to know at what levels insurance fraud would be investigated. When unmarried couples break up, will they be covered for a period of time or will they be left without insurance the day they leave the home. Also, what is the criteria to be claimed as an unmarried beneficiary?