New York Same-Sex Couple Wins Fight Against Health Insurer

July 30, 2008

The New York Civil Liberties Union says a lesbian couple who married in Canada have won their fight against a western New York insurance company over spousal health care benefits.

The NYCLU sued Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Western New York on the couple's behalf earlier this month. The lawsuit accused the insurer of discrimination and of breaching its contract with the school district that employs one of the women.

According to the NYCLU, Blue Cross & Blue Shield now says it will cover married same-sex couples.

A spokeswoman for the insurer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company said earlier it was awaiting guidance from regulators in cases of gay marriage, which is not legal in New York.