Same-sex couples now have the same protections afforded to straight couples for Medicaid long-term care

The Obama administration is set, today, to issue policy guidance to states expanding their ability to offer same-sex couples the same protections afforded to straight couples when they receive long-term care under Medicaid, the Washington Blade has learned exclusively.” According to “the new guidance, dated June 10, states have the option to allow healthy partners in a same-sex relationship to keep their homes while their partners are receiving support for long-term care under Medicaid, such as care in a nursing home.” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said about the policy change, “Low-income same-sex couples are too often denied equal treatment and the protections offered to other families in their greatest times of need. .. Today’s guidance represents another important step toward ensuring the rights and dignity of every American are respected by their government.