Opinion ID: 1345338
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Order I order as follows:

Text: (1) This matter is referred to the Appellate Commissioner for a hearing on Ms. Golinski's claim under the Back Pay Act. Within 70 days he shall submit a report and recommendations on the factual issues listed above. See p. 6 supra. (2) Within 30 days, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall re-submit Ms. Golinski's Health Benefits Election form 2809 to her designated insurer, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan. The AO shall process any future benefit forms without regard to the sex of the listed spouse. See pp. 8-9 supra. (3) Within 30 days, the Office of Personnel M anagement shall rescind its guidance or directive to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan and any other plan that Ms. Golinski's wife is not eligible to be enrolled as her spouse under the terms of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program because of her sex or sexual orientation, or that the plans would violate their contracts with OPM by enrolling Ms. Golinski's wife as a beneficiary. See pp. 3, 9-15 supra. (4) The Office of Personnel M anagement shall cease at once its interference with the jurisdiction of this tribunal. Specifically, OPM shall not advise Ms. Golinski's health plan, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, that providing coverage for Ms. Golinski's wife violates DOMA or any other federal law. Nor shall OPM interfere in any way with the delivery of health benefits to Ms. Golinski's wife on the basis of her sex or sexual orientation. See pp. 3, 9-15 supra. (5) The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan shall enroll Ms. Golinski's wife within 30 days of receipt of the appropriate forms from the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, without regard to her sex or sexual orientation. I authorize Ms. Golinski to take appropriate action to secure compliance with this order, such as by petition for enforcement or mandamus. I trust, however, that such action will not be necessary.