Marriage Inequality

Post #65

For those of us who are white, heterosexual, and economically comfortable (whatever that means!), some public policy issues can be more theoretical than real.  The issue of civil marriage equality may fall into that category.  In theory, most Americans probably believe that everyone should be treated equally.  But what does it mean in practical terms… and why should we care?

I have a friend who is beautiful, upbeat, generous in spirit, talented, thoughtful and so much more.  She’s also a lesbian and has been in a committed relationship for 16 years.  As in any marriage, she and her partner support each other in challenging times and enjoy the many blessings that they have.  Her partner has served our country in the military and now serves her community as a teacher.  Part of her remuneration is health insurance. 

Because they cannot legally wed in their state, my friend is not covered by the teacher’s insurance policy.  Instead, she must purchase her own policy… at a cost of $905 each month.  This whopping expense each month is far more than their household budget can reasonably afford.  Still, she wisely persists in obtaining coverage, though it is causing her to go into debt.  If she ultimately gave up her policy, we could all be subsidizing some future trip to the emergency room or unexpected medical costs.

It seems to me that there are only two ‘winners’ in this arrangement: her partner’s employer and the insurance company.  Rather than pay for a family plan, the school system gets away with just covering an individual.  My friend’s insurance provider gets an extra customer (undoubtedly one of many!) and her monthly premium.

How much of this story is a reflection of our broken health care system?  How much of it reflects our society’s biases?  How much of this bias might be eliminated if Americans heard real-life stories about devoted couples like this one?  I hope that my posting this snapshot of one couple’s travails might cause others to reconsider their hesitancy about supporting marriage equality.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  Do you support the right of all loving couples to marry in Maryland?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#65) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.