BCBSTX will begin allowing coverage for domestic partners for insured small group plans (2-50 eligible employees) effective 1/1/2013 and for existing groups on their renewal anniversary date following 1/1/2013 . A domestic partner is a person of the same or opposite gender. There are specific requirements that must be met for domestic partners to be eligible for enrollment. These requirements are outlined in our Affidavit of Domestic Partnership document, see below.

Affidavit of Domestic Partnership
Employers may elect or decline to allow coverage for domestic partners. The choice belongs to the employer. When an employer allows coverage for domestic partners, eligible employees will need to submit a routine Enrollment Application/Change form, and an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership Form will be required. The affidavit must be notarized prior to submitting to BCBSTX. 

For existing small group business, the open enrollment period associated with the group's renewal/anniversary date is the only time period when the employer can decide to allow coverage for domestic partners. Groups that want to allow coverage for domestic partners will need to indicate such on the Application for Amendment.

An employee will not be allowed to add their domestic partner to their insurance unless the employer elected to allow domestic partner coverage. This must be done upon new group setup or at the group's open enrollment/anniversary date. No off-cycle exceptions will be granted.

The rate for domestic partners will be based on the group spouse rate.

Coverage Restrictions
Domestic Partners are not eligible for COBRA under federal law. 

BCBSTX clearly defines criteria for a "child" to be an eligible dependent. Unless a domestic partner's child meets the criteria, a child of a domestic partner is not eligible for coverage. 

Establishing a domestic partnership is not a qualifying event for special enrollment.