There seems to be some confusion regarding the current limited benefits election opportunity arising from the Supreme Court decision in the Defense of Marriage Act case and running through August 26. The options apply only to employees and retirees with same-sex spouses—who were ineligible for certain benefits until that court ruling. Further, for those couples, the opportunity applies only to those who were married in a state that recognizes such marriages. Says OPM guidance, "The Supreme Court’s decision addressed the constitutionality of a statute that defined marriage and spouse for purposes of federal law to include only opposite-sex couples. Therefore, same-sex couples who are in a civil union or other forms of domestic partnership other than marriage will remain ineligible for most federal benefits programs." The enrollment opportunity runs through August 26, although it can be extended through late December at agency discretion for changes under FEHB and FEDVIP.
