Policies, Union Contracts, Handbooks > Support Staff Policies and Procedures

Surviving Spouse/MSU-recognized Same-sex Domestic Partner of MSU Employee - Health and Dental Benefits

Policy

Applies to: Spouses/MSU-recognized same-sex domestic partners of regular faculty and academic staff, and University support staff working 50% time or more

The University provides health and dental monthly premium contributions for eligible surviving spouses/same-sex domestic partners of Michigan State University employees. This contribution is subject to change.

Surviving spouses/same-sex domestic partners and eligible dependents of a deceased Michigan State University employee may continue health and dental participation as follows:
 

1. If the deceased employee was employed for less than five years, continued participation in the MSU health, prescription drug and/or dental plan(s) for the surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner and eligible dependent(s) is available on a cash basis under the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) for up to 36 months from the date of the employee's death (see "Cobra continuation of coverage" below).
2. • Health plan coverage beyond 36 months may be converted to a private policy with the health plan company. Dental and prescription drug coverage cannot be converted to a private policy.
3. If the deceased employee was employed more than five years but less than 15, the surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner and eligible dependent(s) may maintain the Michigan State University group health plan/prescription drug coverage and receive a University contribution for one year. (If there is no surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner, eligible dependents may elect COBRA.) Up to an additional 24 months may be requested under COBRA.
   • Health plan coverage beyond 36 months may be converted to a private policy with the health plan company. The prescription drug plan cannot be converted to a private policy.
   • There is no University contribution for dental coverage but there is eligibility for coverage continuation through COBRA for up to 36 months from the date of death. Dental coverage cannot be converted to a private policy.
4. If the deceased employee was employed for 15 or more years of service but was less than age 62 or had less than 25 years of service, the surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner and eligible dependent(s) receive one year of premium contributions for health plan and prescription drug coverage and may maintain health plan and prescription drug coverage indefinitely by making continuous cash payments directly to MSU Human Resources Benefits. (If there is no surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner, eligible dependents may elect COBRA.)
   • There is no University premium contribution for dental coverage, but eligibility for coverage continuation through COBRA is available for up to 36 months from date of death. Dental coverage cannot be converted to a private policy.
5. If the deceased employee was an active employee and had been employed for 25 years or more or was at least age 62 with at least 15 years of service, the University's monthly premium contribution for health, prescription drug, and dental plan coverage is provided for the lifetime of the surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner. (If there is no surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner, eligible dependents can elect COBRA.) The University monthly premium contribution for health, prescription drug and dental premiums is based on the deceased employee's full-time equivalent (FTE) service months at the time of death.
   • If the surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner is also an active Michigan State University employee, the health plan/prescription drug coverage can only be maintained under one plan (not under the deceased vested employee's plan and the surviving spouse's/same-sex domestic partner's plan).
   • Dental coverage can be maintained at 100% by dual monthly contribution as a surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner and an MSU employee/retiree.

1. Upon termination of employment (except gross misconduct) or transfer to an ineligible status, employees and/or covered dependents may elect to continue group health/dental coverage for a period of up to 18 months (29 months if disabled and receiving Social Security Disability) on a cash basis.
2. In the event of the employee's death, divorce, legal separation, termination of same-sex domestic partner relationship, or a dependent's loss of coverage due to age or loss of IRS dependency, dependents may elect to continue group health/dental coverage for a period of up to 36 months on a cash basis.

Premium contribution:

The health and dental premiums may be made by contribution from the University or paid by the surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner, depending on the number of years the deceased employee was employed at Michigan State University. See chart above.

Application for enrollment:

MSU Human Resources Benefits will contact the surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner and/or dependent(s) by letter to notify them regarding eligibility.
 

Procedure

Enrollment in benefit plan:

Surviving spouse/same-sex domestic partner and/or dependents: If eligible, must complete the necessary application forms for COBRA within appropriate timeline (forms are available at MSU Human Resources Benefits).

Premium payment:

MSU Human Resources Benefits: Sends premium notice to surviving spouse's/same-sex domestic partner's and/or dependent's address if premium payment is necessary.
 
Refer questions to: MSU Human Resources Benefits (telephone 517-353-4434, e-mail)