Employers are making great progress in providing health care benefits for domestic partners, however it has not yet been adopted by the government. Luckily in 2011, 52% of all employers in the US provided coverage for same-sex couples. While same-sex partners can legally marry, benefits are still being withheld and thus infuriating a great many Americans.

In order to break the barriers between hetero and same-sex marriage rights, the Defense of Marriage Act needs to be repealed.This is a law made under President Clinton that established marriage as strictly between a woman and a man. Since same-sex couples are allowed the right to marry in some states, this law is antiquated, denying many the benefits they deserve under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). A repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act is currently in the works, as Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) brought this pressing issue to the Supreme Court in November.

Currently, statistics show that the Western US is giving the most health insurance benefits given to same-sex partners (79% of large companies). In the South, however, only 28% of large companies are offering these services. The type of work you do will also determine the amount of benefits you receive. The coverage varies from one industry to another. 96% of pharmaceutical companies provided coverage while manufacturers of machinery was 18 %.

Still banned in at least 31 states, gay marriage is making its way (slowly) to overall government approval, though given an “OK” by the President the health insurance rights have not changed.

For the time being, if you and your partner do not have coverage under an employer, or your employer is not providing fair benefits to same-sex couples, you can still apply for an individual plan.

Fill out a quote online or call one of our agents to find out more at 888-803-5917.