Sunday, December 8, 2002
Geisinger Health Systems offers domestic partner benefits to employees
A story released today by the Associated Press reports that Geisinger Health Systems will soon offer health benefits for domestic partners of its 8,000 employees, a change in policy the company said was needed to keep up with changing demographics and help with recruitment.
"We wanted to be a little more responsive to the changing demographics," said Margaret Heffers, a human resources executive with Geisinger.
The policy will allow unmarried workers to get health benefits for domestic partners under certain restrictions.
Geisinger spokesman Mark Davis said the adults must be "engaged in an ongoing, committed and exclusive" relationship.
Employees also must have notarized proof showing that they meet eligibility requirements, which include living together for six months and sharing finances. The change will cover health and prescription drug coverage.
Single parents with one child, also will save up to $500 annually in premiums under the new plan, Heffers said.
