The University of California recently changed the benefits eligibility policy for domestic partners giving UC employees the opportunity to enroll their domestic partners during Open Enrollment. We commend the UC for this is positive step in the right direction. Opposite Gender Domestic partners are now covered regardless of age. It used to be that opposite gender domestic partners were not eligible for health and welfare benefits unless they were 62 years of age or older.
Click here to view a FAQ on domestic partner eligibility.
Here are a few things to remember:
- Employees with domestic partners who are newly-eligible due to the policy change will have a period of initial eligibility from January 1–31.
- For those that were unable to register their newly-eligible partner during Open Enrollment, you may enroll the partner during this period of initial eligibility and change your benefits elections during the month of January.
- If employees want to enroll their partners in Dependent Life coverage, they need to do so during this period of initial eligibility.
- AD&D coverage may be added any time after January 1, 2019.
- A newly-eligible domestic partner enrolled during Open Enrollment may be disenrolled during the month of January as well.
- Premiums deducted from the employee’s paycheck may be reimbursed provided that the partner has not incurred claims.
Employees on UCPath may use the “Life Event” function to enroll their domestic partner in Life and AD&D coverage, while employees on PPS will need to submit a UPAY850 form.
If you have any questions, please email Heather Pineda at Heather.Pineda@ucop.edu.