December 4, 2013
Neb. County to Extend Benefits to Same-Sex Couples
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Douglas County says it will extend benefits to same-sex spouses of employees who were legally married in other states.
The County Board voted Tuesday to change the definition of an eligible spouse so it can include someone who is the same gender as the employee.
The new definition covers all benefits including healthinsurance.
The county will briefly reopen its enrollment period to accommodate the newly eligible spouses. Benefits would begin Jan. 1. The county is self-insured.
The City of Omaha recently said it would not offer health insurance and dental benefits to spouses of legally married gay employees.
The Omaha police union has filed a grievance in response.
