Missouri opens health plan to same-sex spouses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The health care plan for Missouri employees has opened coverage to same-sex spouses following a recent court ruling.

The Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan says it will enroll same-sex spouses of state employees and retirees who have valid marriage licenses from other states.

That decision comes after a Jackson County Circuit judge ruled last week that Missouri must recognize same-sex marriages legally performed elsewhere – even though the Missouri Constitution forbids gay marriage. Attorney General Chris Koster decided not to appeal.

The state health care plan covers about 96,500 people, including state employees and retirees and their spouses and children.

It’s not clear how many same-sex spouses will seek coverage, but a spokeswoman for the health plan says there already have been some inquiries about it.

This story was originally published October 9, 2014 at 10:31 AM with the headline "Missouri opens health plan to same-sex spouses."