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On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. As a result of this decision, the United States Office of Personnel Management will now be able to extend benefits to the legally married same-sex spouses of Federal employees and retirees.

As OPM continues to implement changes to the numerous Federal benefits affected by the Supreme Court decision, here is some guidance for Smithsonian employees.

Health Insurance (FEHB)

All legally married same-sex spouses will now be eligible family members under a Self and Family enrollment. In addition, the children of same-sex marriages will be treated just as those of opposite-sex marriages and will be eligible family members according to the same eligibility guidelines. This includes coverage for children of same-sex spouses as stepchildren.

Employees who wish to provide coverage for their same-sex spouse, their children or the children of their spouse will have 60 days from June 26, 2013—until August 26, 2013—to make immediate changes to their FEHB enrollment.

Changes must be submitted by completing the Health Benefits Election Form, SF-2809 and submitting it to the Office of Human Resources:   

Office Location: 600 Maryland Ave. SW Suite 5060 (Capital Gallery Building)
Email: You may send your form via secure scan email to Lloyd Gass at gassl@si.edu
Fax: You may fax your form to OHR-Benefits (202) 633-6398
Postal Mailing Address:
Smithsonian Institution – Office of Human Resources
600 Maryland Ave. SW, Suite 5060
PO Box 37012 MRC 517
Washington, DC 20013

Please provide a copy of your marriage certificate (or other state documentation); to add a child, please provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

For those employees electing Self and Family for the first time, benefits will be effective on the first day of the first pay period after the enrollment request is received (i.e. if Health Benefits Election Form is received no later than July 13, 2013, the effective date will be July 14, 2013).

To add a same-sex spouse to an existing Self and Family insurance plan, enrollees must contact their health plan directly. Coverage for your same-sex spouse will begin immediately upon notifying the FEHB carrier that there is a newly eligible family member.

Current enrollees will also be able to make changes to their coverage options during Open Season later this year, and individuals wishing to enroll in FEHB for the first time may also do so at that time.

Dental and Vision Insurance (FEDVIP)

All legally married same-sex spouses will now be eligible family members under a Self and Family enrollment or a Self Plus One enrollment.

Employees who wish to add a same-sex spouse to an existing enrollment will have 60 days from June 26, 2013 —until August 26, 2013—to make changes to their FEDVIP enrollment.

Enrollees must contact BENEFEDS Customer Service (877) 888-3337 directly to make the necessary enrollment changes. This enrollment change cannot be made online as yet.

Current enrollees will also be able to make changes to their coverage options during Open Season later this year, and individuals wishing to enroll in FEDVIP for the first time may also do so at that time.

Life Insurance (FEGLI)

All legally married same-sex spouses and children of legal same-sex marriages are now eligible family members under the FEGLI Program; employees may add coverage for a same-sex spouse and any newly eligible children under Option C.

Employees who wish to provide life insurance coverage for their same-sex spouse or children will have until August 26, 2013, to make changes to their FEGLI enrollment.

Changes must be submitted by completing the Life Insurance Election Form, SF-2817, and submitting it to the OHR at any of the above addresses.

Please provide a copy of your marriage certificate (or other state documentation); to add a child, please provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

All employees who are in legal same-sex marriages will now be able to submit claims for medical expenses for their same-sex spouse and any newly qualifying children or stepchildren to their flexible spending program.

Current enrollees should contact FSAFEDS (877) 372-3337 or visit www.fsafeds.com for additional information.

Long-Term Care Insurance (FLTCIP)

All legally married same-sex spouses can now apply for long-term care insurance under FLTCIP. Same-sex spouses of employees will have 60 days from June 26, 2013, to apply for FLTCIP coverage with abbreviated underwriting.

To apply for long-term care insurance, contact LTCFEDS at (800) 582-3337 or visit www.ltcfeds.com

Employees who marry same-sex partners may make benefit elections (health, dental, vision, life, flexible spending account, long-term care) to add their spouse and family in accordance with the OPM Qualifying Life Event (QLE) rules.

If you are planning to marry or have or adopt a child, or have any questions regarding the effect of the Supreme Court decision, please contact your Benefits Specialist. OHR Benefits will continue to provide updates as OPM implements these changes.

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