The O’Malley administration has notified state employees in same-sex relationships that they won’t be able to include domestic partners in their health insurance anymore. The policy change is the result of the new Maryland law allowing same-sex marriage, which took effect Jan. 1.

Can I add my boyfriend to my health insurance in Maryland?

The short answer to this question is to check with your insurance company directly. Some insurance companies allow for policies to be extended to unmarried partners, regardless of whether the relationship is same-sex or heterosexual.

What qualifies as a domestic partner in Maryland?

As defined in Maryland statute, a domestic partnership means a relationship between two people (opposite sex or same sex) who are at least 18 years old, are not related to one another, are not married or in a civil union or domestic partnership with someone else, and agree to be in a relationship of mutual …

How do I prove a domestic partnership in Maryland?

Couples who wish to become domestic partners must provide two pieces of documentation evidence of their bond; examples may include proof of joint liability for a mortgage, lease, or loan, a joint checking account, a life insurance policy where a partner is the beneficiary, or a relationship or cohabitation contract.

What kind of health insurance does a domestic partner have?

Domestic Partner Insurance or Domestic Partner Health Insurance is when an insurance contract extends the definition of spouse to recognize domestic partners. As a result, the health insurance benefits may be extended to the unmarried partner and their children.

Can a domestic partnership offer benefits to their spouses?

However, most offer benefits to spouses anyway. Past the federal level, some states have stepped in with their own stipulations, requiring state-regulated health plans to extend benefits to domestic partners if benefits are offered to spouses. What constitutes a domestic partnership?

Is the fair market value of domestic partnership coverage taxable?

Unless the domestic partner is actually the employee’s tax dependent, the fair market value of the domestic partner’s coverage is taxable and has to be added on the employee’s W-2 as part of their total taxable compensation.

Can a state recognize a domestic partnership as a marriage?

It is becoming common practice for states to recognize a domestic partnership as: a committed couple in a relationship (same sex or opposite sex) similar to a marriage, but with no official marriage license.