Health reform could equalize tax treatment of DP benefits
Federal health reform legislation moving through Congress could contain several pro-LGBT provisions, including the equalization of the tax treatment of domestic partner benefits offered by employers to their gay and lesbian employees, according to a report in the Advocate today. Under current law, employees who take advantage of such benefits must pay federal income tax on their value, unlike married heterosexual couples whose family benefits are generally not subject to federal income taxes.
James Delaplane, a consultant working with the Human Rights Campaign on the issue, said there is a reasonable chance the provision could make it into the bill that goes to the president’s desk, assuming one does. According to the Advocate:
Other pro-LGBT provisions that have been included in the House health legislation include:
-inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in federal data collection and health disparity programs;
-early treatment for HIV under Medicaid, so that individuals do not have to receive an AIDS diagnosis before accessing coverage;
-protections for LGBT people from discrimination by insurance companies or health care providers based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to health care.
