Benefits Buzz
Same-sex Marriage Recognized in Illinois
![Marriage](https://flexiblebenefit.com/sites/default/files/styles/blog_thumb/public/docs/blog/images/Marriage.png?itok=LMWnc-uo)
On June 1, 2014, same-sex marriage became legal in the state of Illinois. As a result, we wanted to revisit marriage as a qualifying event for health insurance coverage and discuss how account-based health plans are impacted.
Health Insurance
- Any couple that gets married in Illinois will be eligible for a 60 day special enrollment period through the federally-facilitated Exchange (Healthcare.gov). This special enrollment period will also apply to coverage obtained outside of the Exchange.
- Any employee that is covered by an employer-sponsored health plan and marries will have a special enrollment period (usually 30 or 31 days) to add their spouse to the plan.
Account-Based Plans
- Marriage is a qualifying change in status event for Cafeteria Plans and its component benefits.
- Premium election changes are permitted.
- Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care FSA election changes are permitted.
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Cafeteria Plan elections as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions made by married couples outside of a Cafeteria Plan are exempt from federal income taxes and Illinois state income taxes.
As an administrator of these types of account-based plans, Flexible Benefit Service LLC will keep you informed on any further changes in this legislation.
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The materials contained within this communication are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice.