Gay partners in Orange County get health coverage

The same-sex partners of Orange County employees will soon be able to get health insurance coverage from the county's plan, after a unanimous vote by commissioners this morning.

Starting January 1st, domestic partners of county employees and their dependents will be able to receive health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with bereavement leave, if they meet certain requirements:

• Are in a long-term, committed relationship
• Live together for at least 6 months
• Are jointly responsible for each other's financial welfare and basic living expenses

The county decided not to allow opposite-sex unwed couples to receive health insurance coverage because they have the option of getting married.

County staff predicted the cost of extending the benefits would be minimal, raising the cost of insuring the workforce by less than 1%.  Federal law also requires the value of the benefits to be reported as income for the employee, and the worker will have to pay taxes on it.

Supporters told the board the ordinance will let Orange County compete with other major cities for skilled workers, and ensure fairness.