Reminder: Special Enrollment Period Closing for Adding Same-sex Spouses in 32 States

In late October 2014, we notified cooperatives about the amendment of the definition of “spouse” under NRECA’s Group Benefits Program (GBP) to include same-sex spouses when recognized by the state where the co-op is headquartered. This created an opportunity for co-ops in 32 states and the District of Columbia (where same-sex unions are recognized as legal marriages) to add same-sex spouses to the GBP’s medical, dental, vision, life insurance and Medicare Part D plans during a special enrollment window that began on November 1 and closes December 1, 2014.

Please note that this period will be coming to a close in 12 days. Employees wishing to add a spouse or eligible children to coverage in 2014 should complete the special enrollment form by that date and turn it in to their co-op’s benefits administrator. Adding coverage for 2015 should be completed through the annual enrollment event. Individuals enrolling in the Medicare Part D plan for 2014 will need to complete a Medicare Part D enrollment form and return it to their benefits administrator.

If you have questions about the process or about the change of the GBP’s definition of spouse, please contact your local field representative or NRECA’s Member Contact Center at 866.673.2299 or contactcenter@nreca.coop.