Long Beach, CA
File #: 06-1117    Version: 1 Name: COUNCIL - Health coverage to dependent children
Type: Agenda Item Status: Approved
File created: 10/19/2006 In control: City Council
On agenda: 10/24/2006 Final action: 10/24/2006
Title: Recommendation to authorize City Manager to sign amendments to contracts with the City's current health, dental and life insurers to extend coverage to dependent children of registered domestic partners on the same basis as any other eligible dependent child.
Sponsors: VICE MAYOR BONNIE LOWENTHAL, COUNCILMEMBER, FIRST , COUNCILMEMBER SUJA LOWENTHAL, SECOND DISTRICT, COUNCILWOMAN GERRIE SCHIPSKE, FIFTH DISTRICT
Attachments: 1. 102406-R-26sr
TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to sign amendments to contracts with the City's current health, dental and life insurers to extend coverage to dependent children of registered domestic partners on the same basis as any other eligible dependent child.
 
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach has a long history of su~pporting the pursuit of fair treatment for all residents. From codifying a broad definition of family and allowing for Domestic Partnership Registration, to the Council's recent resolution in support of same sex civil marriages, our City has made tremendous strides to protect the fundamental rights of all families.
 
Currently, 27 employees of the City of Long Beach have registered domestic partners that participate in the City's health insurance program. As an option for City employees, health insurance benefits can be extended to spouses, domestic partners, dependent children, and dependent family members. Children that become a part of an employee's immediate family through marriage are allowed coverage, but at this time children that become part of an employee's family through Domestic Partnership Registration are not.
 
An extension of health compensation and benefits to dependent children of registered domestic partners would help the City remain equitable and competitive.
 
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
 
 
 
NAME   Vice Mayor Bonnie Lowenthal, First District
APPROVED:
               Suja Lowenthal, Second District
 
               Gerrie Schipske, Fifth District
 
TITLE
 
 
                                                  
 
GERALD R. MILLER
 
CITY MANAGER