Following a court ruling last week, the state of North Carolina has begun recognizing same-sex marriages – and as a consequence, state employees (including UNC employees) will now be able to enroll same-sex spouses in the State Health Plan.

UNC Chancellor Carol Folt made that announcement Tuesday along with Felicia Washington, the Vice Chancellor for Workforce Strategy, Equity, and Engagement.

Their statement is below.

Dear Carolina Community,

On Friday, Judge Max Cogburn, Jr., a United States District Court Judge for the Western District of North Carolina, entered an order ruling that North Carolina’s law prohibiting same-sex marriages is unconstitutional as a matter of law. This is, indeed, a historic ruling in our state.

We are pleased to share with you that earlier today, the State Health Plan and NCFlex informed us that employees can immediately begin to enroll same-sex spouses. Coverage can become effective as early as November 1, 2014, for same-sex marriages performed prior to October 13, 2014. This applies to marriages performed in North Carolina, as well as same-sex marriages lawfully solemnized outside of North Carolina. Same-sex marriages performed after this date would be treated as qualifying events, just as with opposite-sex marriages.

To view the State Health Plan’s official announcement regarding coverage, click here.

Instructions to complete the enrollment of a same-sex spouse are available at http://hr.unc.edu/?p=20974.

We will continue to communicate any important updates relating to this late-breaking news. Likewise, we will inform you of any instructions we receive from the Office of State Human Resources, the State Health Plan and NCFlex related to any policy changes…

Sincerely,

Carol L. Folt, Chancellor
Felicia A. Washington, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Strategy, Equity,
and Engagement

Related Stories
‹
As NC Waits for Medicaid Expansion, Federal Provision Could Leave Some in Coverage Gap
North Carolina lawmakers came to an agreement to expand the state’s Medicaid services. But a recent change may leave some in a healthcare gap.
UNC School of Medicine to Open Branch Campus in Charlotte
The UNC School of Medicine will soon have a new branch campus to offer North Carolinians a new way to access its top-rated schooling. The branch campus will be located at the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Made possible through a new partnership between UNC Health, the UNC School of Medicine […]
UNC Health Care 'Proud' of Program Detailed in NYT Investigation into Child Patient Outcomes
UNC Health Care is pushing back against some details of a New York Times investigation that detailed concern regarding the quality of care some children with serious heart issues received at the UNC Children’s Hospital. The Times article details concerns among cardiologists who brought their worries to their division chief. Secret recordings of alleged conversations […]
Focus Carolina: Bradley Staats
Tune in to Focus Carolina during morning, noon and evening drive times and on the weekends to hear stories from faculty members at UNC and find out what ignites their passion for their work. Focus Carolina is an exclusive program on 97.9 The Hill WCHL, sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Bradley […]
North Carolina AG Requests Information Regarding Potential UNC Health Care Merger
The proposed partnership between UNC Health Care and Atrium Health, formerly known as Carolinas HealthCare System, is now drawing the attention of North Carolina’s attorney general. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein sent a letter on Thursday requesting information from leadership of each hospital system regarding the potential new venture. The proposal has been negotiated almost […]
Kenan Trust Helps Launch Health Initiative
The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust has awarded the UNC School of Medicine $1.5 million to launch the UNC Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative. According to the initiative’s director, Dr. Meg Zomorodi, it will help establish clinical experiences for students while still serving the community. “We want to place students and have them learn from […]
New UNC Hospice Home Breaks Ground In Chatham Park
The UNC Hospice Home is slated to open in February.
WCHL's 2014 Year In Review
It's our annual Year In Review! What were the top news stories - and who were the top newsmakers - of 2014?
UNC Field Hockey Beats Virginia to Win 9th Consecutive ACC Tournament Title
Dani Mendez scored two goals to haunt her former team and lead UNC to a 4-1 win against Virginia in the ACC Tournament title game in Louisville Friday. The win is Carolina’s ninth straight conference championship and 28th overall. It’s also the 300th ACC title overall for UNC programs. 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐒 […]
Obituary: Former Orange County Commissioner, Environmental Builder Mark Marcoplos
Devoted family man and innovative green builder, county commissioner and civic activist, musician and athlete, Mark Marcoplos passed suddenly on Oct. 19.
›