Same sex marriage could put an end to domestic partner benefits for many companies, according to Human Resource Executive Online.
While many companies nationwide extend employee benefits and health insurance to domestic partners to accommodate for non-traditional couples, New York's Marriage Equality Act may actually curb some employers from continuing with the worksite benefit as the legalization of gay marriage in some states limits the need for it, according to the source. This will likely have a significant impact on how individuals obtain health insurance coverage.
"The trend is likely to be that; in those jurisdictions where marriage is possible, it will be a requirement to get benefits, just as it is for heterosexual couples," said CEO of the National Business Group on Health in Washington Helen Darling, according to the source.
The issue is on the forefront in states like New York, where gay marriage recently became legal. The fact that open enrollment season is fast approaching may be prompting some HR management systems to come to a decisions sooner than later.
A representative from Corning, a company based in New York, told the Ithaca Journal that they would be dropping domestic partner benefits in the near future, but would first allow a grace period for their employees to plan for weddings and the like.
