Optional Health Insurance Benefits for DC Government Employees

• What is the Health Benefits Expansion Act of 1992?
• Does the Act cover all District employees?
• What are the registration requirements for a domestic partnership and where can I apply for a certificate?
• How do I add a partner to my existing health insurance plan?
• Which health plans can I select from?
• How are the insurance premiums paid for my domestic partner?
• When can I add a domestic partner to my health insurance plan?
• How do I terminate coverage for my domestic partner?
• What is the cost to add a domestic partner and eligible dependent(s)?

The Act (DC Law 9-114, effective June 11, 1992) authorizes unmarried persons, regardless of gender, to register as domestic partners. Registration enables the partners to be eligible to receive health insurance coverage if one of the partners works for the District government. The law also provides the partners mutual visitation rights in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as the ability to use accrued annual or sick leave to care for a domestic partner and eligible dependent(s).

Does the Act cover all District employees?

No. The Act covers only those employees hired on or after October 1, 1987. Employees covered under the Civil Service Retirement systems are excluded.

What are the registration requirements for a domestic partnership and where can I apply for a certificate?

To register, both applicants must be 18 years of age, competent to contract, be unmarried, not have entered into another domestic partnership, and share a permanent residence. Applicants for domestic partnership must apply in person at the DC Department of Health, State Center for Health Statistics located at 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002.

How do I add a partner to my existing health insurance plan?

In order to add a domestic partner and dependents you must first obtain a domestic partnership certificate from the Department of Health. You must attach a copy of the certificate with the health benefits enrollment form and affidavit. The information must be submitted to the DC Office of Personnel, Office of Compensation and Benefits, Suite 330 South, 441 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Which health plans can I select from?

Aetna US Healthcare, Cigna Healthcare or Kaiser Permanente are participating. You may add a domestic partner to your current election. If you are currently enrolled in MDIPA, you may change your enrollment and select one of the above plans for you and your domestic partner.

How are the insurance premiums paid for my domestic partner?

Health insurance premiums for a domestic partner and eligible dependents will be deducted out of your paycheck as an after-tax deduction. The employee is responsible for payment of 100 percent of the premium costs for their domestic partner and eligible dependents. The employee's health deduction remains pre-taxed and totals 25 percent of the premium costs. Therefore employee will see two deductions for health benefits, once elected and approved.

You may add a domestic partner within 31 days of receiving your domestic partnership certificate or during the annual open enrollment period following domestic partnership certification.

How do I terminate coverage for my domestic partner?

In order to terminate coverage for a domestic partner, you must first terminate the domestic partnership through the Department of Health. Once the partnership is terminated, you will need to provide the Office of Compensation and Benefits a copy of the termination. Once we receive the termination, you will be responsible for maintaining coverage for your domestic partner for six months.

What is the cost to add a domestic partner and eligible dependent(s)?

The monthly rates are as follows: