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Does New York offer domestic partner health insurance?

By Christopher Martinez |

In order to cover a domestic partner on your City health benefits coverage, you must have a Domestic Partnership Registration Certificate issued by the Office of the City Clerk and complete a Health Benefits Application (if you are already registered as domestic partners through another municipality or governmental …

Does NYS recognize domestic partnerships?

A Domestic Partnership is a legal relationship permitted under the laws of the State and City of New York for couples that have a close and committed personal relationship. The Domestic Partnership Law recognizes the diversity of family configurations, including lesbian, gay, and other non-traditional couples.

What qualifies as a domestic partner in New York?

In New York, a domestic partnership is defined as a legal relationship between two people who live with one another and share much of their lives, but are not married or united in a civil union.

What rights do domestic partners have in New York?

The rights of domestic partners include the following:

  • Family leave for bereavement and child care.
  • Visitation in New York City-operating hospitals, prisons, and other institutions (for those registered in NYC)
  • Addition to a rental agreement as a family member;

How do you get a domestic partnership in New York?

A couple can register a domestic partnership if:

  1. The partners have a close and committed personal relationship and have been living together continuously.
  2. Both partners are New York City residents, or at least one person is employed by the City on the date of registration.
  3. Both people are 18 years of age or older.

Can a domestic partner be covered under health insurance in New York?

Yes, under certain circumstances, with a requisite showing of financial interdependence, a domestic partner may be covered under a health insurance family contract in New York. However, the insurer is not obligated to cover a domestic partner. This coverage is permissive, rather than mandatory. No additional facts were given.

Can a small group insurer offer domestic partner coverage?

A small group health insurer that offers domestic partner coverage must provide the same coverage to all of the small groups that it insures. 1 Thus, an insurer may be unable to accept the employer’s re-defined eligibility requirements for domestic partner coverage.

Where can I get a domestic partnership in New York?

Neither partner was in another domestic partnership within the preceding 6 months. *For applicants in New York City, Rockland County, and Suffolk County, one partner may be an employee of a company based in that jurisdiction (rather than a resident); non-residents may apply in Albany, Ithica, and Rochester.

Is the federal government required to provide domestic partner benefits?

It’s important to note that companies are not required by federal law to provide domestic partner benefits even if they offer coverage to married couples, but some states and municipalities do mandate that businesses offer coverage to unmarried couples.