UTAH: State Employees Now Eligible To Apply For Spousal Benefits

Via the Salt Lake Tribune:

Following a landmark federal ruling striking down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage, the agency that insures tens of thousands of Utah public employees will extend benefits to newly legal spouses. "These are not luxuries ... medical treatment and health insurance are among our most basic needs, so it has a direct impact on a lot of Utah families," said Clifford Rosky, a law professor at the University of Utah and board chairman of Equality Utah. "I think it’s really great news." The Public Employees Health Program (PEHP) provides benefits for Utah state government, one of the largest employers in the state. An independent state agency, PEHP covers about 50,000 employees, including those at 300 Utah cities, counties, school districts and other public agencies. Counting dependents, it insures some 140,000 people.

PEHP is also exploring how to treat same-sex marriages conducted in other states.