Benefits Enrollment for Same-Sex Spouses Under Way at AC

In accordance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on June 26 regarding same-sex marriage, higher education employees and retirees eligible for the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program will be eligible to enroll their same-sex spouses and dependents in the same benefits programs as everyone else.

This process will begin immediately at Amarillo College.

As of July 1, the Employees Retirement System (ERS) of Texas will extend benefits to same-sex spouses and their dependents, even if they were legally married in another state. Employees will have until July 25 to enroll outside of their annual enrollment period, with July 1 serving as the effective date for coverage.

“Amarillo College is supportive of this decision to extend benefits,” Lyndy Forrester, vice president for employee and organizational development, said. “We support diversity that reflects our students and community, while remaining compliant with new laws.”

ERS maintains the enrollment and eligibility system for the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program, through which AC employees obtain benefits. ERS is currently notifying third-party facilitators, such as Humana and UnitedHealthcare, about the changes being required. 

July 1, 2015