UHS to provide same-sex benefits

One day after the New Jersey Senate's decision to legally recognize gay and lesbian domestic partners, the University announced Friday that the Student Health Plan will extend coverage for same-sex domestic partners.

The University "felt it was the right thing to do," Associate Director of University Health Services Janet Finnie said.

Only a small portion of the graduate and undergraduate student body will be affected by the change in Student Health Plan, but "for those it does effect, it [is] important."

Finnie said the University's announcement was independent of the State Senate's vote.

On Jan. 9, Director of University Health Services Daniel Silverman circulated an email authored by Finnie that explained the change.

Finnie said she and other members of the University community "have been working on [the health plan reform] for several months."

Various students and campus groups have been instrumental in enacting this policy change, Finnie said.

Graduate students who live with same-sex partners raised the issue with Debra Bazarsky, the LGBT Student Services Coordinator; an active alumni group also brought the issue to the University's attention, placing special emphasis on the senate's actions, Finnie said.

"The student health plans operation group recommended [the issue] to the cabinet" and President Tilghman, Finnie said. "The ultimate decision was in the hands of the cabinet."

Finnie said the University, which already extends health coverage to the same-sex partners of employees, felt it was important to have "consistent policies."

In order to be eligible for the new coverage, couples must register their same-sex domestic partner with the University before enrolling in the Student Health Plan. The period of enrollment extends until Feb. 27.