Benefits July 28, 2004

FBI Retracts Same-Sex Health Benefits for CT Couple

July 28, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - FBI agent Katy Gossman will be unable to provide health benefits for her new wife Kristin after the agency rescinded coverage that was mistakenly given to the couple following their Massachusetts wedding.
Reported by

The FBI told the Meriden, Connecticut couple that the previous approval for the benefits was made in error. Health benefits for Kristin, who is a full time student and does not have health care coverage of her own, were taken back by the FBI because the US government does not allow same-sex spousal benefits, an FBI spokesman told the Associated Press.

The couple had been receiving benefits reserved for spouses since May 30, following their nuptials in Massachusetts. Following the ceremony, Katy, sent a copy of the marriage license to FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., listing Kristin as her spouse. Katy, who is an agent in the FBI’s New Haven, Connecticut office, said she did not try and hide the fact that the two were a same-sex couple, saying her home office gave headquarters a “heads up” about the situation.

The Gossmans have not decided whether to fight the decision.

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