The State of Tennessee’s Benefits Administration is now accepting and processing insurance applications from same-sex married couples.
This change applies to all eligible UT faculty and staff and is the result of the June 26, 2015, Supreme Court ruling that recognizes the equal rights for same-sex couples to be married.
Employees currently enrolled in health, dental and vision insurance plans administrated by the state who were married in another state prior to the ruling have 60 days, through Aug. 25, 2015, to add same-sex spouses and/or dependent children to their plans. Plan members who marry after the ruling have 60 days from the date of their marriage.
The enrollment change form is available on the state’s website.
All applications and copies of supporting documents (listed on the form) should be returned to the UT System Payroll Office, P115 Andy Holt Tower, 1331 Circle Park Drive. UT will submit all applications to the state.
Additional information on employee and dependent eligibility, special qualifying events and enrollment can be found in the plan documents. Eligible employees also can enroll spouses and/or dependent children during the upcoming annual enrollment period, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15.
Applicants who have 60 days from the date of the Supreme Court ruling to apply may make the coverage effective on the June 26 decision date but will be required to pay the full month’s premium for the added spouse and/or dependent children. Applicants may also choose to make the coverage effective date July 1.
Questions can be directed to the UT System Payroll Office at (865) 974-5251 or the HR Call Center at (888) 444-UTHR. The state’s Benefits Administration Service Center also is available at (800) 253-9981.
Butch Peccolo
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer
Linda Hendricks Harig
Vice President for Human Resources