Domestic partner coverage extended

The board overseeing Nevada's state health insurance system has agreed on a 5-3 vote to extend coverage to domestic partners of government and university system employees.

Insurance costs for domestic partners must be paid by those covered, without any subsidy from the system, the Public Employees' Benefits Program Board said. Rates and a startup date, possibly mid-2010, will be determined later.

The 2009 Legislature approved a bill giving domestic partners most of the rights enjoyed by married couples. It's up to public and private groups to decide whether they wanted to provide health insurance.