Date Posted: October 9, 2009

Dear Members of the University Community,

We have very good news from the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) regarding continued benefits coverage for domestic partners and older children. Based on an opinion from the Attorney General, the narrower definition of “dependent” contained in HB 2013 will not be adopted until October of 2010. This means that those currently enrolled in health, dental and vision benefits will retain coverage in accordance with ADOA’s original eligibility guidelines until September 30, 2010.

The University is committed to benefits parity for domestic partners, and wants to be competitive in terms of coverage for older children. The delay in HB 2013’s provisions gives us adequate time to explore several options.

ADOA’s official announcement is available at http://benefitoptions.az.gov/

Best Regards,

Allison M. Vaillancourt
Vice President
Human Resources

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Date Posted: September 25, 2009

Update on Health Insurance Coverage for Dependents

During the last few weeks we have heard from so many of you worried about the prospect of losing benefits coverage for loved ones as a result of the signing of HB 2013, which changed the definition of dependent to “spouse under the laws of this state, a child who is under nineteen years of age, or a child who is under twenty-three years of age and who is a full-time student” beginning October 1, 2009. Today we received word from ADOA officials that dependents excluded from coverage because of this definition WILL NOT LOSE BENEFITS COVERAGE BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 2009 and that there will be NO RETROACTIVE LOSS of coverage back to October 1. You may read the official update at http://www.benefitoptions.az.gov/.

We promised to notify you once we received an interpretation of the bill in order to help you to transition to other options. Regrettably, three weeks after the bill’s signing, this is the only word from State of Arizona officials about its implementation. We have been told that ADOA officials are awaiting word from the Attorney General about next steps.

More than 800 members of our University community stand to be affected by this legislation during this plan year and we are enormously frustrated about our inability to offer you guidance as we await official information. We fully recognize the anxiety and frustration this situation has caused you and will do our very best to support you as we learn more.

Sincerely,
Allison M. Vaillancourt
Vice President
Human Resources

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Date Posted: September 8, 2009

On Friday afternoon, the Governor signed into legislation the budget for FY 2010.  Included in the legislation (see page 24 lines 44-45 and page 25 line 1) are changes to insurance coverage for domestic partners and dependent children.

We are working with the Arizona Department of Administration to get clarification on the language and on the effective date and should have more guidance at some point this week.

Updates will be posted as they become available.