LANSING -- The Michigan Civil Service Commission has approved a proposal to allow same-sex partners or other adults living with some state employees to be covered by state-paid health insurance.

The commission approved the measure over objections from Governor Rick Snyder who's concerned about the potential cost.

Some estimates have put the cost at about six million dollars a year, initially. Other estimates say it could be higher.

The state agreed to the same-sex insurance proposal in 2004, but legal issues have delayed its implementation.

The benefits would be available starting in October.  They'll be available to state workers represented by United Workers Local 6000, SEIU workers, and about 15,000 non-unionized workers.

(AP contributed to this report)