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The 34 independent and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies deliver health insurance coverage to one in three Americans across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition, the BCBS Federal Employee Program® insures over five million federal employees, retirees and their families. International Solutions Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ solutions provide a comprehensive suite of international products and services for people who live, work and travel internationally, giving them confidence that quality care can be accessed wherever and whenever needed. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies. BlueCross and BlueShield of Illinois makes Eligibility Decisions on Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union ActAs previously announced in the Feb. 9, 2011 issue of News from the Blues, Public Act 96-1513, the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, was signed into law on Jan. 31, 2011. Effective June 1, 2011, the law’s intent is to provide procedures for the certification and registration of a civil union in Illinois. Any person who enters into a civil union in Illinois consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of Illinois for the purpose of any action related to a civil union. Also defined are prohibited civil unions and the process for dissolution as dictated by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Illinois residency is not an explicit requirement for an Illinois civil union. Illinois will offer “reciprocity” and recognize as a civil union any same-sex marriage, civil union, domestic partnership or substantially similar legal relationship, other than common law, entered into in other states. Additionally, the law does not link domestic partnership to civil union. Since this is not an insurance law, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has made the following business decisions:
For insured business, coverage will be offered to a civil union spouse and dependents upon the qualifying life event of the BCBSIL member entering into a civil union on or after June 1, 2011. If the member does not elect to change their coverage within 31 days of entering into a civil union, the next opportunity will be upon the employer group’s open enrollment period. For group coverage, it is the employer group’s responsibility to determine eligibility, just as it is currently. ASO municipalities, counties and school districts and ASO customers that choose to do so, should offer coverage to a civil union spouse and dependents upon their renewal as of June 1, 2011 and thereafter. Existing BCBSIL members who have previously entered into a civil union as legalized by another state are able to add their civil union spouse and dependents upon the employer group’s next open enrollment. Certificate language is under review in order to determine any applicable or necessary changes. With the exception of the ASO BPA, there will not be any changes to any other business forms or collateral materials (such as highlight sheets, product reference guides, enrollment guides, etc.). There are no changes to any of our health, dental or life products and/or benefit plans. Generally, civil unions will be treated the same as traditional marriages. The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) is expected to issue an insurance FAQ on the law in early spring 2011 and BCBSIL will make any appropriate adjustments based on the IDOI’s direction. Who qualifies as a domestic partner in Illinois?1. The partners have been residing together for at least 12 months prior to filing the Affidavit of Domestic Partnership. 2. The partners have common or joint ownership of a residence.
How do I prove a domestic partnership in Illinois?You must provide TWO of the following forms of identification: Voter registration card (issued within the past 90 days) Bank statement (issued within the past 60 days). State Drivers License.. State Identification w/picture.. U. S. Passport.. Birth Certificate (Must be 18 or older). Can I add my girlfriend to my health insurance if we live together?Employees typically can't add a boyfriend or girlfriend to their health insurance. “Normally, to obtain coverage under an employer's plan, a person would need to meet the definition in the benefit plan document for the spouse or domestic partner or dependent,” Lee says.
Are domestic partnerships recognized in Illinois?Several states have expanded the legal rights available to spouses in same-sex relationships through civil unions and domestic partnerships. Five states allow for civil unions: Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Vermont and New Jersey.
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