Life

Kansas opens state workers’ health plan to same-sex spouses

Kansas opens state workers’ health plan to same-sex spouses
Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)
Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)

TOPEKA, Kan. – – The health insurance plan for Kansas state government workers is allowing married gay and lesbian couples to obtain coverage for their spouses.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman Sara Belfry says the health plan began accepting coverage applications Tuesday.

The department’s policy change follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last month legalizing same-sex marriage across the nation. Kansas had banned gay marriage.

Gov. Sam Brownback said last week his administration was reviewing the ruling and studying its implications before extending benefits to same-sex married couples.

Belfry says the legal review led the department to open the state employees’ health plan to gay and lesbian spouses.

The state employees’ health plan covers about 104,000 people. Belfry says the state isn’t sure how many more will be added.

© 2015, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Religious beliefs, gay rights clash in court case over same-sex couple’s wedding cake

Previous article

Kansas extends some benefits to married same-sex couples

Next article