NYS insurers ordered to recognize same-sex marriages

By 365gay Newscenter Staff

(New York City) The New York State overseerer of insurance companies has told companies they must treat legally married same-sex couples the same as they treat opposite-sex married pairs.

Although state law does not permit gay marriage within New York State, a Rochester court ruled that valid out-of-state marriages of lesbian and gay couples must be recognized. The state’s highest court upheld the ruling.

In addition, Gov. David Paterson in June issued a directive instructing state agencies governing insurance and health care - to immediately change policies and regulations to recognize gay marriages performed in areas where they are legal.

Nevertheless, some private insurers have declined to recognize same-sex marriages.

In his directive to insurance companies operating in the state, Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo said legally married same-sex couples cannot be treated differently than other married couples...