tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post4878568046612759009..comments2023-04-05T11:10:02.701-04:00Comments on The Hygiene Chronicles: Howdy PartnerStevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12020142087227196082noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post-18848949896769697742008-12-03T15:27:00.000-05:002008-12-03T15:27:00.000-05:00Congratulations! It always seems like it's overdu...Congratulations! It always seems like it's overdue when a private sector company finally offers domestic partner benefits, but it's still important to celebrate (and remind everyone else). I used to work aggressively on the DP benefits issue and question everyone with whom I did business about it, and call them on their various fallacies (no one else is doing it, no insurance company will cover it, too expensive) as needed.<BR/><BR/>As you may know, employer-paid premiums to cover the partner are considered income by the IRS and have to be added on in imputed form by the employer, unless the partner is a qualified IRS dependent (i.e., basically no income, over half support from employee). So that in itself creates a disincentive for people to sign up unless they really need the insurance--unlike married couples, who double-dip regularly to no one's benefit but the insurance companies (or the insurance pool).<BR/><BR/>COBRA is great...for the 18 months it lasts; and it is out-of-pocket. My partner's COBRA ran out (slithered out?) after 18 months; he went back to school.<BR/><BR/>My employer (a Big Ten university--guess which one, ha) doesn't offer DP health insurance. So he's paying full premiums for a state-managed plan, usually used for the destitute and deathly ill. Of course, it doesn't include dental. But with his physical disability, it's essential to have insurance.<BR/><BR/>So congrats!!! Having the same options and choices and ultimately freedoms, that's what it's all about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post-21552019744045231392008-12-02T22:49:00.000-05:002008-12-02T22:49:00.000-05:00Well, that is something to be thankful for. I'm st...Well, that is something to be thankful for. I'm still surprised when I hear of organizations that don't cover partners, even though many still don't. After all, organizations don't offer benefits to improve their bottom line, they do it to keep employees happy, and what would make employees happier than being able to provide coverage for their partners? Anyway, happy day, you turkeys.Papa Bradsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09795913459610115195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post-49985017720470158802008-12-02T08:39:00.000-05:002008-12-02T08:39:00.000-05:00I could stand four days doing nothing right about ...I could stand four days doing nothing right about now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post-12182405014130940832008-12-02T08:05:00.000-05:002008-12-02T08:05:00.000-05:00While I'm pleased that this is something that you'...While I'm pleased that this is something that you're finally being given, I resent the fuck out of the fact that you have to settle for measly scraps. You and Larry deserve nothing less - NOTHING less - than full equality under the law. It burns my cookies that you still don't have it.<BR/><BR/>Sorry; this is me being a little bit of a malcontent. Separate is not equal, and I'm pissed that we still haven't learned that yet.<BR/><BR/>(not for nothing, but my word verification is "allys." How's THAT for serendipity!?)Mrs. Chilihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09814787474739856911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post-69272637309661394552008-12-01T17:41:00.000-05:002008-12-01T17:41:00.000-05:00Congrats . . . Dave's company has offered it for a...Congrats . . . Dave's company has offered it for as long as I can remember, which is saying something (the offering, not the "I'm losing my memory" part).Lola and Avahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03337394774901078530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post-29422225781074231662008-12-01T12:52:00.000-05:002008-12-01T12:52:00.000-05:00thats great on your domestic partnership insurance...thats great on your domestic partnership insurance. Were from MASS. and sometimes i forget there are some states that are still trying to catch up..lol. Nice blog by the way.johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08659671063386445985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12446750.post-76827540105222302342008-12-01T12:45:00.000-05:002008-12-01T12:45:00.000-05:00Congratulations! It is a big step. Hubby's compa...Congratulations! It is a big step. Hubby's company offers domestic partnership insurance and that is what allows me to stay home with Little Man.Bacchushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01621660309420845112noreply@blogger.com