The Michigan Civil Service Commission delayed action to extend health insurance benefits to unmarried same-sex partners of state employees plus the partner’s dependents.

Commission members tabled the proposal after concerns were expressed about the agreements between the Office of State Employer and employee unions. In 2004, the state agreed to cover same-sex benefits as part of all of the state employee contracts but implementation has been delayed due to legal challenges.

The new policy could cost nearly $6 million in fiscal year 2011 and opponents cite the potential cost to a state budget that already faces a $1.6 million deficit. The Michigan Civil Service Commission has not rescheduled a meeting to approve the extension of benefits.