Mail Tribune News - RCC extends benefits to domestic partners

Document text

RCC extends benefits to domestic partners The domestic partners of Rogue Community College employees are now eligible for school-sponsored health insurance benefits. In response to a recent ruling by the Oregon Court of Appeals, the RCC Board of Education voted unanimously Monday during a special teleconference to expand insurance coverage. The decision includes same-sex couples. The appeals court held that all state and local governments in Oregon must offer insurance benefits to the domestic partners of employees. The ruling stemmed from a 1992 lawsuit filed by three employees of Oregon Health Sciences University whose partners had been denied coverage. The court ruled that denying coverage violates the state constitution, which prohibits privileges or immunities to one citizen or class of citizens that are not equally available to all. To determine eligibility, RCC has obtained examples of affidavits used by insurance companies, according to Tom Bradbeer, RCC dean of human resources. He said the court's ruling set a precedent, and that other "public entities" have voluntarily expanded coverage to include domestic partners. Only the partners of full-time employees (30 hours or more a week) are eligible. Bradbeer also said the ruling would not cost the college more, because employees have a cafeteria-style benefits plan that allows them to choose from several different options, some of which cost less than others. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA