A California employer offers group life insurance that covers the spouses of employees. Under California law regarding registered domestic partners, the employer must:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
California Insurance Code Section 381.5 requires that group insurance policies treat registered domestic partners the same as spouses when dependent coverage is provided. If a group life plan covers spouses, it must also extend that coverage to registered domestic partners on the same terms and conditions, and no higher premium may be charged based solely on domestic partner status. This rule reflects California's policy of equal treatment for registered domestic partners in insurance benefits, and it applies to group life coverage delivered in the state.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Coverage for registered domestic partners is mandatory when spousal coverage is offered. It does not depend on an employee vote or election under the group plan.
- C) Excluding registered domestic partners while covering spouses violates the equal-treatment requirement of Section 381.5. The same coverage must be extended on the same terms.
- D) Charging domestic partners a higher premium because of their status is discrimination prohibited by the same-treatment rule. Premiums must be based on factors other than partner status.
Memory hook
Domestic partner = spouse's equal in group coverage. If spouses are covered, registered partners are too.