Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) FAQ
Guidance for FAQ regarding Employer/Employee Interaction and Dependents
Program Area: Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)
Question: Is the permissible dependent mapping of domestic partner to life partner mandatory or optional on the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP)?
Answer: The FF-SHOP enrollment system standardizes allowable dependents, and domestic partner coverage is one of the available options. When establishing their offer of coverage, employers determine if they will offer coverage to opposite sex and/or same sex domestic partners. Depending on the employer's offer of coverage, and the domestic partner parameters established by issuers on their Business Rules Template, an employee may or may not be able to offer coverage to his or her life partner.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: May 27, 2014
HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.