University of Arkansas to Offer Insurance Coverage for Same-Sex Spouses

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University of Arkansas benefits-eligible employees married to spouses of the same sex may now add them to the University of Arkansas employee insurance plans.

Employees will have until June 9 to complete and turn in your enrollment forms to Human Resources.

• New same-sex spouses may be added to health, dental and vision insurance within 31-days of the marriage date.
• Employees with same-sex spouses who were married in other states prior to May 9, 2014, may also add their spouses.
• Coverage will take place the first day of the following month following the date HR receives the  completed enrollment forms.
• A copy of the marriage license must be turned in with the enrollment forms.

Go to the Same-Sex Spouses section of the Human Resources website to get the necessary enrollment forms and for additional information. Employees may also get the forms from Human Resources, 222 Administration Building. Questions? Contact Human Resources at hrbenf@uark.edu or 479-575-5351.

Following is the statement issued by the University of Arkansas System Office:

… with respect to the University’s medical benefit plan, any same-sex couple in Arkansas or married in another state recognizing same-sex marriage shall be eligible for coverage under the plan unless the Circuit Court’s decision is stayed by the Arkansas Supreme Court. Same-sex couples married in Arkansas before such stay shall be entitled to participate in the University’s plan unless the stay order addresses this issue to the contrary. Eligibility for the University’s other benefits depending upon marital status shall be examined on a case by case basis but it is likely that such benefits would be granted to a same-sex married couple.