Even in Iowa, married gays are still unequal in work benefits
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Jacob Holman didn't think twice as he wrote the name of his new husband, Michael Walker, in the space marked "spouse" on the application form.
Holman, a respiratory therapist, didn't expect much to change after he wedded his longtime boyfriend in a quiet ceremony in May. But he was hoping to provide health insurance for Walker, a full-time student.
But Walker could not be added to the company insurance plan. Holman's employer, Methodist Health System, follows the federal definition of marriage and does not consider the couple married.
Of 27 major Iowa and Nebraska employers contacted by The World-Herald, four provide health insurance benefits to gay married couples.
Most employers have not changed their health insurance benefits to include gay spouses and, according to federal law, they don't have to.
"They're treating other married couples differently than us," said Holman. "I really don't think it's right."
