Are civil unions recognized in Social Security and Medicare benefits?
The short answer to this question is yes, civil unions are recognized in Social Security and Medicare benefits in California. The California Legislature passed a law in 2003 that gave rights and privileges to same-sex couples that were similar to those of traditional marriages. This law is known as the California Civil Union Law. Under this law, a same-sex couple who entered into a civil union in California was granted all the same benefits and privileges under state law as those of a married couple. This includes the rights to Social Security and Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recognize same-sex couples who have registered a civil union in California as being eligible for spousal Social Security and Medicare benefits. Therefore, same-sex civil union couples in California are recognized by the federal government with regard to Social Security and Medicare benefits, and they can receive those benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements. Other rights may also apply, such as survivor benefits and medical coverage. It is important for same-sex couples to understand what rights their civil union grants them, so they can take advantage of all the benefits they are entitled to.
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