Die, Doma!

[Veldrina]

Got this in mail today at work....wooot!!!!!!

On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. As a result of this decision, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has now extended benefits to employees and annuitants who have legally married a spouse of the same sex.

The attached memo from OPM explains the election options of the benefits that have been extended to same sex marriages as a result of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Additional guidance regarding the benefits covered in the memo and other benefits will be forthcoming soon.

General Guidance from OPM:

1. June 26, 2013 is considered the date of the Qualifying Life Event (QLE).
2. All valid marriages will be recognized and coverage under Federal Employee Benefits will be based on the legal marriage, regardless of where the employee resides.
   1. i.e. If an employee was legally married in Minnesota and lives in a state that does not recognize same-sex marriage, then they are entitled to Federal Employee Benefits for their spouse and/or children
3. Marriage is the only term that is used in the eligibility requirements for Federal Employee Benefits.
4. HR offices are to follow the procedures already in place for enrolling in or changing benefit elections. Please ensure that you are following the same procedures for both opposite sex and same sex married couples.
5. i.e. If you currently require marriage certificates in order to change from Self to Self and Family, then the same process should be followed for new enrollments based on the extension of federal benefits to same sex married couples.
6. OPM is developing a Benefits Administration Letter with additional guidance that will be available soon.

FEHB:

• When changing from Self to Self and Family due to the addition of a spouse, the effective date is the first day of the first pay period after the election is submitted to Human Resources
• When changing from Self to Self and Family that includes a child, the effective date of the increase in coverage can be the first day of the first pay period that encompasses June 26, however, the FEHB effective date for Self and Family will be June 26, 2013.
  • This should be treated the same as if a child is born and an employee is changing from Self to Self and Family based on the QLE of the birth.
  • Retroactive premiums may apply

• FEDVIP:

  • This is not a QLE for employees who are not currently enrolled in FEDVIP. Employees who are not currently enrolled in FEDVIP will have to wait until Open Season to enroll.
  • Current FEDVIP enrollees can increase coverage in order to cover their spouse and/or children
  • Please contact BENEFEDS directly to report newly eligible family members.
  • The effective date of the coverage is the first day of the first pay period after the request is received by BENEFEDS.

  FEGLI:

  • This is a QLE that will provide the employee the opportunity to:
    • If not enrolled, enroll in Basic and Optional Insurances
    • If already enrolled:
      • Increase Option C insurance
      • Automatically cover eligible dependents under Option C enrollment

  FLTCIP:

  • Spouses will have 60 days to apply for the FLTCIP with the abbreviated underwriting
  • FLTCIP is still allowing same-sex domestic partners to be covered under the program.

  FSAFEDS:

  • An employee can either (1) enroll or (2) increase FSA amount based on the June 26, 2013 QLE.
  • If employees are already enrolled, they can immediately begin submitting eligible family member claims for reimbursement.
  • The effective date for new enrollees is the first day of the first pay period after the election is received.

[carlie]

The topic is marriage not sex - and sexual preference is not even for consideration

in this topic.

[stillhere]

How can you have marriage without sex? Or sex without marriage? They go together!

When I fell in love with my wife and decided to marry and live the rest of my life with her I then also in the eyes of the church in my vows that I would not forsake another. I have been true in that regard and not strayed. We have raised our family and are now living out our golden years together as man and wife. This is the way the holy father wanted it to be.

Now if being with someone of the same sex is not about sex then what is it about?

Stillhere

[Notorious Kelly]

Still,

There is more that joins us than divides us, so no need to magnify a wedge amongst veterans.

Please save your religious beliefs for other forums.

[71M10]

Well how can you have a marriage without sex............. I know plenty of people who could explain that one to you!!!

[stillhere]

Well how can you have a marriage without sex............. I know plenty of people who could explain that one to you!!!

Good point!!

[Tbird]

How can you have marriage without sex? Or sex without marriage? They go together!

When I fell in love with my wife and decided to marry and live the rest of my life with her I then also in the eyes of the church in my vows that I would not forsake another. I have been true in that regard and not strayed. We have raised our family and are now living out our golden years together as man and wife. This is the way the holy father wanted it to be.

Now if being with someone of the same sex is not about sex then what is it about?

Stillhere

It's about all the reasons you married, not about what kind of sex you have. Marriage is a life commitment that comes with all the joys, woe's, and the benefits when two people commit to sharing their lives. You and I can disagree about this. I am overjoyed at this news, it is beyond anything I thought I would see in my lifetime. I do hope the VA gets this squared away soon.