AUSTIN --- COBRA-like benefits will be available to same-sex domestic partners of city employees.
The announcement was made to the Austin City Council yesterday by City Manager Marc Ott.
Healthcare coverage will be available to same-sex partners in case of the employee's termination, divorce or death.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA is federal legislation and uses the definition of "spouse" as a husband or wife of the opposite sex.
Therefore, COBRA denies same-sex contributions, however, Austin will extend a similar benefit without using COBRA.
Austin will be the first city in the Lone Star State to offer this assistance.

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