The State of Oklahoma began offering benefits to married same-sex couples Monday after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a case concerning the constitutionality of the state's same-sex marriage ban, leaving in place a lower court ruling that found it unconstitutional.
Office of Management and Enterprise Services Spokesman John Estus confirmed Thursday officials began allowing married same-sex couples to enroll their spouses in the state employee benefit plan on Monday.
The state employee benefit package includes health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. OMES' Human Capital Management Division manages the state employee benefit program.
"It can occur now for plan year 2014," Estus said. "Monday's circuit court mandate is the qualifying event. Plan year 2015 enrollment is open, as well."
Estus said employees in same-sex marriages have 30 days from Monday to submit the paperwork needed to change their benefits. That, he added, is the same process for any employee experiencing a qualifying event.
Monday's action comes 11 months after Gov. Mary Fallin announced that National Guard facilities and employees funded with state dollars would not process benefits for married same-sex couples. At the time, Fallin cited the state's ban on same-sex marriages.
-----
KGOU produces journalism in the public interest, essential to an informed electorate. Help support informative, in-depth journalism with a donation online, or contact our Membership department.
