Listen to this articleIntermountain Healthcare announced today that, beginning in 2014, they will offer insurance coverage to same-sex spouses of its employees.
Their decision is based on recent changes to federal law and rulings by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, IHC spokesman Jason Burgess said.
Starting Jan. 1, 2014, Same-sex couples who have been legally married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage can enroll in Intermountain’s Employee + Spouse and/or Family benefit tiers rather than in the Employee + Domestic Partner or Family + Domestic Partner benefit tiers.
“This practice has become the norm for many companies and government organizations throughout Utah and the nation,” Burgess said. He also said the health organization did it to remain competitive.
The company noted other organizations that have similar benefits, such as University of Utah Hospital, ARUP Laboratories, Zions Bank, West Valley City, Salt Lake School District, Park City School District, Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake County.
The change will affect at least 29 employees in Utah and Southern Idaho, according to Burgess. IHC has 34,000 employees.
Intermountain Healthcare to offer health benefits to married same-sex employees