Effective May 1, 2007, the New York State Department of Civil Service policy was revised to recognize any same-sex marriage that is legal in the jurisdiction where it was performed for the purposes of extending spousal benefits eligibility in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), and for all other benefit programs administered by the Department's Employee Benefits Division. These programs include the New York State Vision Program administered by EyeMed, the New York State Dental Insurance Program administered by GHI, and the New York Public Employee and Retiree Long Term Care Program (NYPERL).
After May 1, 2007, the Department of Civil Service will recognize a same-sex marriage for the purpose of spousal benefits eligibility from the following jurisdictions: Massachusetts, Canada, including all its provinces, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Civil unions will continue to be acceptable as part of proof requirements for domestic partner coverage.
To implement this change, there will be a special enrollment period, from May 1, 2007 through May 31, 2007, during which time enrollees may enroll same-sex spouses in NYSHIP without regard to the usual enrollment effective date rules. Active employees seeking coverage of a same sex spouse should contact the Health Benefits Administrator for their agency, usually found in the Personnel Office. State retirees should send their requests to the Department's Employee Benefits Division.