From the News and Observer:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield has reversed its policy of refusing health insurance to gay households under the Affordable Care Act and apologized for canceling family coverage of same-sex couples and domestic partners in North Carolina.
The state’s largest insurer said Wednesday it will now offer family coverage for gays and unmarried couples and will also extend the benefit to small businesses for the first time.
In mid-January, Blue Cross systematically canceled 20 family policies and told the affected customers they would have to reapply as unmarried single individuals. Some are married legally in other states and feared they would be forced to lie on an insurance application form.
Blue Cross CEO Brad Wilson extended a corporate apology in the company’s announcement.
“We should have more thoughtfully considered this decision, with full appreciation of the impact it would have on same-sex married couples and domestic partners,” Wilson said on the release. “We’re sorry we failed to do so.”
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