A full-time service member with the New Hampshire Army National Guard, Charlie Morgan was recently diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. The news is troublesome on several fronts: Not only is she concerned about her health, but Charlie is worried about Karen, her partner of 15 years, and their four-year-old daughter -- both of whom she is supporting financially.
"Because of my health, I'm not sure how it's going to turn out if something happens to me," said Charlie.
Even though they are legally married in the state of New Hampshire, Karen is ineligible for health insurance through Charlie's plan because she isn't recognized as a dependent by the federal government. Instead, Charlie pays $400 a month for a separate plan for Karen.
If they were in a heterosexual marriage and Charlie passes away, Karen would receive about $300,000 in total benefits, including $1,000 a month in Social Security benefits, as well as life insurance and health insurance. But since they are in a same-sex marriage, Karen will not be able to get any survivor benefits.
"It makes me feel scared, worried and it doesn't have a positive effect on my health. I want to make sure my family is taken care of and that others never find themselves in this situation," she said.
Advocates are hopeful that President Obama's decision to support same-sex marriage will bring gay couples one step closer to equal treatment on taxes, Social Security and other important financial matters.
