MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA — (Marketwired) — 07/09/13 — Today eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) (), parent company of eHealthInsurance, the nation-s first and largest private online health insurance exchange, released answers to questions about the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on health insurance options for same-sex couples.
The Supreme Court of the United States recently declared unconstitutional Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibited the federal government from recognizing the legal marriages of same-sex couples. The court also let stand a lower court-s ruling invalidating California-s Proposition 8, which had prohibited legal same-sex marriages in the state. The following “Frequently Asked Questions” seek to clarify the impact of these rulings on the health insurance options of same-sex couples:
The Supreme Court ruled that the section of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which prohibits the federal government from recognizing legal same-sex marriages is unconstitutional. The full implications of this ruling still need to be worked out, but it appears to eliminate restrictions that had previously prevented the legally married, same-sex spouses of federal employees from participation in the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, including the ability to enroll as a dependent in their spouse-s federal health insurance plan.
By effectively overturning California-s Proposition 8, the Supreme Court-s other decision opens the door for same-sex marriages to begin again in the state. The impact of this decision is limited to California, but it will have no direct effect on access to health insurance for same-sex partners in the state. California-s department of insurance already required insurers to provide health coverage both to registered same-sex partners as well as legally married heterosexual and same-sex couples.
For same-sex couples in which neither partner is employed by the federal government, or for those living in states where same-sex marriage is illegal, the Supreme Court-s decisions may have little immediate impact on their health insurance options. Some states currently require health insurance companies to offer coverage to same-sex couples, though proof of a legally recognized domestic partnership may be required; other states make no such requirement, but insurance companies are free to offer coverage to same-sex couples if they wish. Employers may also opt to provide group coverage for same-sex partners of employees, even in states where there is no state requirement to do so.
When it comes to purchasing health insurance plans on their own, same-sex couples can shop for and purchase coverage the same way as anyone else, regardless of which state they live in. We recommend that shoppers work with a licensed online health insurance agent, like eHealthInsurance, or a licensed agent in their local area. At eHealthInsurance.com, shoppers are able to enter their ZIP code, gender and date of birth — along with the gender and date of birth of their partner — and review quotes from health insurance plans that are available to same-sex couples in their area.
Clearly, there-s a symbolic benefit for many same-sex couples when they-re able to purchase or enroll in a single family health insurance plan. There are more practical benefits as well. For example, they will now pay only one monthly premium for health insurance coverage, and, in states where same-sex marriage is legal, they will be able to discuss some of their spouse-s billing issues with the insurance company (personal health issues are still protected by the HIPAA law). Same-sex couples could also potentially save on deductibles. Having a single deductible for the whole family may save you money when compared to paying two separate deductibles, especially when there are dependent children covered under the same plan. Also, as with married heterosexual partners, the older partner may enjoy more affordable coverage because rates for a family policy are based on the younger spouse-s age.
Yes. As with heterosexual couples, premiums for family coverage may in some cases be more expensive than premiums for two individual health insurance plans, and one partner-s health and coverage needs may differ significantly from the other-s. Same-sex couples who are interested in purchasing coverage should do the math and consider all options before applying for coverage.
Follow eHealthInsurance-s consumer blog,
Browse our answers to real-life consumer health insurance questions on
Follow eHealthInsurance on and
eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) is the parent company of , America-s first and largest private health insurance exchange where individuals, families and small businesses can compare health insurance products from leading insurers side by side and purchase and enroll in coverage online. eHealthInsurance offers thousands of individual, family and small business health plans underwritten by more than 200 of the nation-s leading health insurance companies. eHealthInsurance is licensed to sell health insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. eHealth, Inc. also provides powerful online and pharmacy-based tools to help seniors navigate Medicare health insurance options, choose the right plan and enroll in select plans online through its wholly-owned subsidiary, PlanPrescriber.com () and through its Medicare website eHealthMedicare.com ().
For more health insurance news and information, visit the eHealthInsurance consumer blog: .
Sande Drew
eHealth, Inc.
(916) 207-7674
Kris Kraves
Cogenta Communications
(805) 527-7733 – direct
You must be logged in to post a comment Login