Health Insurance Coverage
for
Civil Union / Domestic Partner / Common Law

Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee Executive Order 12-02
Recognition of out of state, same sex marriages

Civil Union
The State of Rhode Island Employee Health Plan extends health benefits to a civil union spouse and children of a civil union spouse. To qualify for coverage, employees must provide a copy of their civil union certificate, complete the Certification of Tax Dependent Status for a Civil Union Spouse Form and attach both to the Health Insurance Enrollment Form.
Contact Pamela at 874-9054 or pamelasherman@uri.edu to submit the forms.

Domestic Partner
The State of Rhode Island extends health benefits (medical, dental, and vision insurance) to same-sex and opposite-sex domestic partners of eligible employees. To qualify for coverage, employees must meet the requirements and provide the verification information listed on the Domestic Partner Affidavit. The Domestic Partner Affidavit and the Domestic Partner Dependent Declaration Form must be completed, signed, notarized. A Health Insurance Enrollment Form is also requried.
Contact Pamela at 874-9054 or pamelasherman@uri.edu to submit the forms. Pamela is a notary, and will assist you in getting your forms processed.

Imputed Income for Civil Unions / Domestic Partner
Under federal law, the fair market value of the state’s contribution for health insurance coverage for a civil union spouse/domestic partner is considered imputed income to the employee, and must be reported as taxable income on the employee’s bi-weekly paycheck unless the domestic partner qualifies as a dependent of the employee under the IRS regulations for health plans. It is the employee’s responsibility to consult with the appropriate tax advisors to determine whether or not a civil union spouse/domestic partner qualifies as a dependent under the IRS regulations, and to determine all tax implications resulting from the decision to add a domestic partner.  Additional information is available in the Domestic Partner Frequently Asked Questions.

Common Law
Complete the Common Law Affidavit and Health Insurance Enrollment Form. Provide the necessary evidence used to verify common law status. Call 874-9054 to submit the forms.