An insurance provider that extends health coverage to spouses of the opposite sex is required to offer the same coverage to spouses of the same sex, in line with anti-discrimination measures. As long as a couple is legally married in a jurisdiction with the authority to sanction the marriage, the insurance company cannot display bias when providing coverage. This principle holds regardless of the state of residence for the couple, the location of the insurance company, or the terms of the insurance plan.
Lower Costs And Same-sex Married Couples
Married same-sex couples receive equal treatment to married opposite-sex couples within the Marketplace. This parity extends to the application process for premium tax credits and reduced out-of-pocket expenses on private insurance plans, and it applies across all states.
Generally, to qualify for premium tax credits and other cost savings on Marketplace plans, a married couple needs to file a joint federal tax return. When completing your coverage application, you’ll be prompted to indicate your marital status.
Usage Of The Term ‘Spouse’
Regarding LGBTQ access to healthcare, the term ‘spouse’ cannot currently be utilized in insurance contracts due to the lack of recognition of same-sex marriages in India. The usage of such a term in insurance contracts requires legal validation. Consequently, when a company provides health insurance for LGBTQ employees, it falls under the umbrella of group life or health insurance. Collaborating with select private-sector insurers, these companies formulate products tailored to effectively address the specific requirements regarding health insurance for LGBTQ community.
When a corporation opts to provide LGBTQ access to healthcare, its initial decision revolves around whether to provide life insurance, LGBTQ health insurance, or a combination of both. They subsequently engage external insurance brokers with specialized knowledge. The pricing and features of the product are then deliberated upon in accordance with the specific needs.
Benefits
LGBTQ health insurance products targeting same-sex partners offer identical benefits as standard medical group insurance products. The customization lies in adapting the wording to reflect the gender of the couple while maintaining the same underlying coverage.
The product’s wording is adapted to suit various relationship types, including live-in or bisexual relationships. In the case of live-in relationships, documentation such as telephone bills, rent agreements, or electricity bills is required to establish cohabitation.
Parting Words
Retail insurance products specifically catering to same-sex couples are not readily accessible in the Indian market. Given the Supreme Court’s decriminalization of consensual same-sex relationships, it’s anticipated that life insurance and health insurance for LGBTQ offerings for this segment will likely become available in the retail market within the next year and a half.
FAQs
Is LGBTQ access to healthcare legally mandated?
Yes, insurance providers offering coverage to opposite-sex spouses must extend the same coverage to same-sex spouses.
Does healthcare for LGBTQ couples have the same benefits as opposite-sex couples?
Yes, married same-sex couples are entitled to equal treatment in the insurance Marketplace, including benefits.
Married same-sex couples must file a joint federal tax return to qualify for premium tax credits on Marketplace plans.
Why are insurance products for same-sex couples categorized differently in India?
Owing to the lack of recognition of same-sex marriages in India, coverage for LGBT+ employees falls under group insurance.
Are retail insurance products specifically for same-sex couples available in India?
Currently unavailable, but anticipated within 1.5 years post-Supreme Court’s decriminalization of same-sex relationships.
