Barbara Boxer Introduces Bill To Grant COBRA Benefits To Gay Partners

On Friday Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) introduced the Equal Access to COBRA Act, which would allow same-sex partners access to COBRA benefits if their partner loses their job.

The law would apply to companies that already offer health coverage to domestic partners and their children. Currently, more than half of Fortune 500 companies cover domestic partners under their health plans. Boxer said, “This is a question of fairness: Every family deserves access to health insurance, especially in this tough economy. This bill ensures that domestic partners and their families will have equal access to health coverage after a job loss.” Under federal law, employers must offer continuing health care coverage to departing employees and their beneficiaries for up to 36 months. Current federal laws related to COBRA coverage do not apply to domestic partners or same-sex spouses — even at companies that offer health coverage to domestic partners of employees.

(Via - Dallas Voice)