FL College Approves Medical Plan For Employee's Pets, Denies Benefits For Domestic Partners
By Logan Murphy Sunday Nov 25, 2007 2:02pm
Via The Palm Beach Post:
The pets of Palm Beach Community College employees will qualify for discounted group medical insurance beginning in January, but domestic partners are still barred from receiving similar benefits.
School officials sent a memo last week explaining the new voluntary pet benefit available via payroll deduction through the private company Veterinary Pet Insurance.
Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, said it is wrong for the college to put the medical needs of pets above those of the human loved ones of employees.
"The fact of the matter is puppies are covered, partners are not," said Hoch, who sent a letter to PBCC President Dennis Gallon requesting the domestic partner plan be put before trustees again in January. "It's the same benefit; neither costs the college a penny." Read on...
If we had universal health care in America, this sort of discrimination would be a thing of the past -- it would also destroy one of the right's favorite talking points against gay marriage.
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That's because repubs have been screwin' the pooch for years.
If we had universal health coverage, Kucinich would be President!
the headline should read "domestic partners", and not just "same sex partners," as straight people can, and do, become domestic partners as well.
This ruling is beyond insanity. I love my pets more than I do a lot of people, but jeez louise to put them before domestic partners is a travesty.
Good point, bryancri. My husband and I were "domestic partners" for several years before we were married.
I'm an old retired guy, and that is just one more reason not to go to Florida. I'm staying in New York.
Gays don't have pets?
What about all the bishon frises?
Could people be denied coverage because their pets are also their lovers?
Heterosexually speaking of course.
wtf?!
Oh and are the benefits extended if the pets are gay?
ysaddaden @ 7:
My little bishon frise is pissed as hell about this too. He came from the shelter in Palm Beach County and he's getting old, but even he knows this is so wrong.
california was always the land of fruits and nuts but florida was and remains the land of dead people and rednecks........i hope global warming comes soon to drown that cesspool......
And pets are also able to be euthanized, and people aren't.
BTW,,always loved northern california.....coming from NYC, San Francisco was a fun town....at least you could walk it just in NY....LA was the pits........too many pretences, too many plastic people......
Wow, it hurts to live in Florida and be so easily stereotyped. :(
pissed off patricia @ 11:
Bichon Frises sounds to me like a ho frozen to her lamppost due to an overnight cold front.
pc @ 13:
YET!!!!!!!
ysaddaden @ 16:
That's funny to me, but Murphy (my Bichon) didn't even crack a smile when I read it to him.
...but puppies are so cute!
But what safeguards exist to prevent gay employees from sending their 'domestic partners' to the vet for free care? There also need to be safeguards in place to deny vet care to gay partners of pets. Sounds like backdoor communism to me.
pissed off patricia @ 15:
How many alligators do you have to squeeze to get Gatorade?
It only took 10 comments in this thread for somebody to ask the obvious question - what if your dog is gay?
I like the idea of sending your partners to the vets for care?
Kuro qualifies!
Thor Heyerdahl @ 10:
Someone should call the insurance company and inquire about that.
"Yeah, my dog's been humping my other dog, ummmm they're both females and ...well, I'd like to get them insurance just in case one of them gets pregnant from all the ......humping".
I'd love to hear their response.
Bill doesn't.
I gues that means they approve of Man-On-Cat.
grumpyoldvet @ 12:
Ouch...not all floridians are dead or rednecks...a little harsh dontcha think...
GET THE INSURANCE MAFIA OUT OF MEDICINE PERIOD~!
They are trying to get into veterinary medicine now and turn that into a for profit racket.
Could you get insurance for this pet?
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/06/23/elwood_wideweb__470x348,0.jpg
Or these?
http://imageserver4.textamerica.com/user.images.x/76/IMG_478676/_0218/TZ...
Since the Insurance industry took over medicine and the people who practice costs have been skyrocketing through the roof!
Mobsters are telling us how much we are going to pay, when and how we are going to pay it, and who will treat us!
It's insanity.
David Ehrenstein @ 25:
And when she was little, Woody Allen rused to ead Hop on Pop to Soon-Yi Previn.
Afterall, his name's Woody.
Oh my God, it's true! What Rick Santorum predicted has finally come to pass! Gay Marraige has led down the slippery slope to Man-on-Dog health benfits!
rused to ead s/b used to read.
I'm getting all Picasso like with my typing.
liberalNmoderation @ 26:
Thank you for that comment, liberalinmoderation. I appreciate it. :)
Speaking of health, just heard on tv that Cheney is going to make an unexpected visit to his doctor today. Seems he talked to his doctor about a cough he couldn't shake and during the exam they found an irregular heartbeat. I'm surprised they found even a heart. So anyway, he's going in for a checkup.
ysaddaden @ 28:
Here's another link for the one that didna work.
http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2005/11/22/314319/SamUgliestDogLulu.jpg
How warm and caring.
L.A. Confidential @ 29:
Physicians may as well be practicing with blindfolds and their hands tied behind their backs.
Limit time to 5 minutes per patient? How can you be a healer with a symbolic gun being pointed at your head like that?
pissed off patricia @ 33:
That pesky heartbeat of his. Why can't he shake it off? The cough, that is. :D
Ricky Sanatorium was correct....homosexual relations will evolve into man-on-dog relationships [to get medical coverage].
You gotta remember most of Florida is republican. Many of them moved down here from up north. We can't help that. :(
How bout performance incentives?
The more procedures you can crank out the higher your pay? The more patients you can crank out the more you'll make?
Thats medicine? No wonder my in law walked away from it all.
You can't bring people in the receiving dock, pump people full of drugs and repair them like a broken car then send them out and say Good Luck.
You mean if this guy was American, he couldn't get coverage?
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/...
But this one can?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qncG_TbK9Dk
Now my day is ruined. I know I won't be able to eat or sleep until I know that Old Shooter will be okay. I don't want him to get sick, have to resign and maybe have someone like Rudy put in his place for the next year. I mean seriously, I don't. That would give Rudy a platform that he could only dream of as the elections draw near.
Thank goodness we know Old Shooter has good health insurance, because we are all paying for it for him.
Would universal health care also cover pets?
OK...way off topic...but this I HAD to share...
http://www.yahoo.com/s/745192
I guess the only solution is to marry your cat.
What if your cat is already married?
Universal Health Care for Pets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1g7bYgc_ek&feature=related
pissed off patricia @ 46:
The more important question....what if your cat is married to a same sex cat?
pissed off patricia @ 42:
Good point.
Actually, good points.
L.A. Confidential @ 36:
No that's how they date.
liberalNmoderation @ 44:
"Gut Feelings" and Intuition are two completely different systems. Intuition is the superior. Most people don't know what it is or how to employ it. Intuition is a higher power completely separate from the biological and neurological functions of the "body speaking to you" in terms of the potential for pleasure or pain.
Gut Feelings are what guys like Bush use to make decisions. And we all know were that leads to. Fight or flight.
pissed off patricia @ 46:
What if your cat is a Mormon?
My own cat may be divorced, he just refuses to talk about it. When I ask him about it he just looks at me and doesn't say a word.
Why is the secret service chaperoning Glenn Beck? Does anyone know if this is even legal under their charter?
Wasn't today the day that Bush honored Al Gore at the white house for his peace prize? If it was, we know what caused cheney's heart to foul up.
har2301 @ 6:
HA! Thanks! You guys can't drive worth a damn anyway, lol! ;)
my fav bumpersticker says Happiness: A New Yorker leaving with a Canadian under each arm...friggin tourists!
That being said...I am SO ready to leave this stupid state...I can't stand livin here anymore.
Looks like that is a college that has nothing of value to teach.
Ah yes, Florida the state that gave us Boosh.
liberalinmoderation, what area of the state are you in. I live on the east coast, the treasure coast.
liberalNmoderation @ 26:
sorry if I offended you but anyone I know does not think highly of floridians....they all consider them ignorant, self-absorbed (geeaer) and rednecks.....cubans are another story..they are just a deluded bunch...crazy people waiting for Castro to die and think they'll all get their property back....
The Supreme Court gave us bush, Katerine Harris just served him up for Jeb.
Dr. Matt @ 48:
What if your cat is "living in sin" and not actually married?
If New Yorkers don't like Floridians, why are they coming down here to live with us? Everyone on my side of the street for at least a block is from NY. They come down here and complain because we don't do things like they do in NY and Jersey. I enjoy reminding them that I-95 also has a north bound lane.
I think the big ol clue to all this situation is in the leadin tag... Pet 'benefits' via a 'payrole deduction' paid to a 'private' (as in for profit) company, 'veterinary pet insurance'... L.A. Confidential @27, alluded the rationale behind it all.. with the cautionary comment to 'get the insurance mafia out of medicine period!'
Indeed, just one of many problems facing us which needs attention and resolution. This whole thing isn't about gay verses non gay...but that makes for a nice subtrafuge, or pets getting some kind of benefit over people perse'.. Again, a nice little misdirection that misses the larger more significant point. It's about creeping privatization of all strata of society due, 'in part', to the abdication of elected government to deal with anything that isn't warmongering or self aggrandizing anymore... In short, its 'ALL' BULLSHIT now, and this is just another example...
There is something far larger and more sinister going on here then just providing health benefits to pets over people.. It has been alluded to and spoken outright in other threads at other times... The puzzle pieces are all here. They are scattered and noone is picking them up and putting the whole sordid picture together... At this point, I'm no longer certain people in general really want to see the truth of it all...............The truth is stranger than anything coming from Hollywood or some writers imagination.... The real truth is worse than even Orwell predicted.
Lambs being led to the slaughter is a comment that comes to mind....We're all lambs, we're all being led to the same slaughter, one way or another... Some by being sacrificed to an immoral war, others via financial ruin rained upon them from multiple directions.. Still others by accepting lies, sweet little lies fed spoonful by spoonful by immoral and in some cases illegitimate politicians and business people..
Sorry so dour today folks, but after pulling the plug on all things newsy for a few days for reasons of preserving my personal sanity, my coming back and checking in, leaves me bereft of any optimism.. I see no good news anywhere.. Bush continues to prosecute 'his' war, dems continue to allow themselves to be punked out totally, and all of us continue to remain helpless in the face of all the bullshit going on,....
I am coming to the conclusion, that a form of war is being waged like none anyone has ever seen before... Purpitrated on 'we the people', the expression of which has almost been rendered parody, and which this little tempest is but just a minor example....All this shit, purpitrated with an evil end game that will leave us all as so much cannon fodder in the dust......JD
grumpyoldvet @ 60:
ah it's all good...it really takes quite a bit to offend me...most of the time anyway, lol.
And Pissed Off Patricia...me lives on the first island off the southeastern coast...the poor white-trashy part of the island lol. Living in this tourist driven economy...has added to my already strong dislike for most rich people...and New Yorkers ;) kiddin about the NY'ers...they're an alright bunch mostly.
Dr. Acula @ 58:
And Ol' Sparky.
It seems out "pet" vice president is taking full advantage of his HORRIBLE government health care. It always pisses me off when I hear them talk about going to the hospital immediately and having a procedure the same day. Yeah that government health care really sucks. What shocks me most at todays new is that Cheney even has a heart. The irregular part was obvious.
xoites just called me from work to wonder if this was a lead in to Cheney stepping down and bush appointing his successor. This was predicted last year. It could stop any impeachment of Cheney from even getting started therefore stopping ANY of bush crimes from coming out also.
On topic....Do Palm Beach Community College employees make so much money they can afford healthcare for their pets? Most people can't even afford to buy it for their families.
pissed off patricia @ 63:
No doubt! Can't swing a dead cat in this friggin state without hittin 5 yanks ;p
Fanon @ 62:
That would be a bad pussy.
liberalNmoderation @ 65:
liberalNmoderation @ 68:
Floridians swing dead cats? No wonder everyone thinks you people are freaks. ;-)
Absolute and utter stupidity in action. For Chrissake!! Get a grip you lawmaking people... You value your pets above your relationships with other human beings. How effed up is that?!
Can I cover my partner with vet insurance? Does this mean my animal has become a "dependant" that I can claim on my taxes?
Dr. Matt @ 71:
Hehehe, actually I borrowed that quote from a former co-worker, who was from NYC ;)
raymond @ 1:
Nah, they're just providing coverage for their families.
Only a son of a bitch could enact such a policy.
You know animal-worship is one of the thing that GOD detest and condemn. So why on earth does this so called Religious Right protect and cherish animal worship is far beyond me ?!!!!
@ Jack Damage:
Does this mean we all get Vet. Insurance?
Dr. Matt @ 69:
Ouch ;)
Dear Senator Feinstein;
Please send more Twinkies. This herd needs to be culled.
Much Love;
Dan White
Fanon @ 78:
There's NO such thing as bad pussy, lol!!!
The candidates simply aren't talking enough about the need for Universal health care or global warming.
Iraq is vitally important but we can't let them wrap the entire dialogue around a single issue.
Why does the spell-checker flag a word as simple as dialogue?
*
Janet @ 67:
That's highly unlikely as Cheney and his think tanks are the brains behind the bombing of Iran. He won't step down until Iran is attacked.
Do they pets themselves have to be married? I mean suppose you have a dog and cat living together under the same roof, but not in bonds of matrimony?
I can't get domestic partner benefits because I'm straight.
My gf and I have been living together for 8 years, but we cannot claim benefits as commonlaw marrried because we don't have a joint bank account (stupid criterion huh?). If we were gay, all we'd have to do is prove we've been living together for 6 months.
The IRS should get out of marriage altogether. (Our employer follows IRS rules.) You should be able to get a joint insurance policy with whomever you chose (if the insurer lets you, which most would).
People are so silly.
Democrats really need to put the pressure on the terrified ones aka Hillary, Barack, and John. They are so frightened Harry and Louise are going to pop out of storage and start spouting the health insurance industry crap again. The candidates need to know that 62% of Americans want universal single payer health care - not some cockamamie, half-assed, duck tape and baling wire mess that won't offend K St.
I'm sending letters to all Democratic candidates except Kucinich. He's the only one who isn't cowering.
bryancri @ 3:
It's much more diffficult. You have to be considered married by common law. There are more criteria for this than a simple domestic partnership. If my gf were my bf she'd be on my insurance right now.
liberalNmoderation @ 65:
I'm trying to figure this out, do you live on one of the keys? If so, I sure can think of worse places to live. I love the keys. I used to love Key West until the big cruise ships started to dock there and then that changed everything. So much of the local flavor and style is gone today.
...so the pussy has insurance?
Corporations have more rights than ordinary citizens, and now animals do, too.
We are truly a screwed up country with a lot of screwed up people creating havoc and disgrace for a lot of good citizens.
I'm sorry, Palm Beach Community College, but you sound like one f**ked up place.
liberalNmoderation @ 80:
Roseann Barr?
Thor Heyerdahl @ 10:
I don't know, but I'm sure Rick Santorum has an opinion.
raymond @ 1:
I wonder how many repubs are littering the highways after being blown off the car roof where their dog was tied?
XXX@77;
No..... That would be nice since I'm an ex-squid... But no...
It does not mean that......I do appreciate the attempt at humor.... But it's not really working for me today...Not even gallows humor... sorry...JD :-|
pissed off patricia @ 86:
As a native NYer living in So Fla, I agree w/POP -- I-95 goes north as well! Seems a lot of NYers down here brought their nasty NY 'tudes w/them.
Does Rick Santorum know about this? This will lead to man/dog relationships!! Just like he predicted.
Save Our Troops @ 83:
That's not the IRS's decision, that's your employer's decision.
The IRS doesn't recognize any form of domestic partnership for same sex couples. So if your employer offers them it's their decision to do so. More importantly if they don't offer equivalent to mixed-gender couples who aren't married than that is you employer's own decision -- neither the IRS nor the insurance laws forced them into denying you the benefits.
I wonder how many of our soldiers's share that kitty's, "How the hell did get into this position?" look?
My brother teaches there. He is single but has a cat, "Franky". Franky is cool, a lot cooler than most of the people my brother has as colleagues. Maybe only animals should have health care, except for chimpanzees, since I'd hate for our President to sneak in on a technicality.
can you take your same sex spouse to the vet for a checkup?
just asking.
bryancri @ 3:
Straight people can get married and receive the benefit.
So same sex partners is the correct term.
Anyway, this reminds me of the surge to protect and gather the animals of New Orleans. Or the time when a dog was tossed off a bridge, the reward to find the person was over 100k. More money offered than any missing child.
Only in this goofy fucking country.....
bryancri @ 3:
yeah and they're not discriminated against either idiot. That was the point of the article, asshole.
the caste system continues. Pandering to rapture bunnies sucks
Domestic partners are only gay people, doesn't everybody believe that? I thought I did until my cats convinced me to move to Florida, now they're healthier than my twisted sexual identity!
In other words if you are gay, a domesticated animal has more worth?
What if my penguin is Gay? Does he get benefits?
Do the gay pets qualify for the insurance benefits?
Watching Racism and Bigotry right in front us. Thanks be to American News.
jr @ 103:
Don't pander. Strike, Strike them with your fists, with your shovels with hammers. Get up and fucking beat them down.
One man was being made fun of being gay by an older gentleman in front of his son. I told the manager of the store to call the police.
Then we asked the gentleman if he wanted to beaten to a bloody bigoted shitpile right in front of his son.
Do not accept it and do not take it.
No of course, in America where everyone has guns everyone is chickenshit to say anything. Well luckily its not the case here.
Know a Racist? Burn their SUV.
Oh, for christ's sake. Gays are smarter than straights, everyone knows this.
There's a simple way around this, and it'll be funsie, too.
Just list your 'Life Partner' as your choice of Great Dane, Pekinese, Burmese Tailess, etc. Let the AKC be your guide.
And your BFF can get their shots for free.
This is a terrible way to frame the issue.
A victory for pets is not a loss for gay rights.
And-I am totally in favor of gay marriage laws and true equal rights for all.
But what a stupid article.
Two...separate...issues.
*"gay marriage laws [above]"
i.e. not the discriminatory ones--but ones that would allow what Massachusetts has.
Save Our Troops @ 86:
The reasoning for this is that you and your GF have the option of getting married...the gay couple does not. I understand what you are saying, my husband and I lived together for nine years but could not be put on each others insurance. The answer is universal health care for all. If it's good enough for congress it should be available for "WE the People" their employers.
pissed off patricia @ 87:
Key Largo, a small drinking village with a slight fishing problem...the keys are GREAT to visit, but livin here totally sucks, unless your rich enough to enjoy it. Most of the locals work their asses off just to live on this godforsaken island, they can't afford to do anything but pay goddamn overpriced rent, myself included. Fuck Cay Clubs! Fuck Ocean Reef!
ysaddaden @ 90:
I stand corrected....ugh...thanks for the mental picture! lmao
Is there anything that forbids designating your human partner as your "pet"?
Seems like that takes a lot less paperwork than marriage / civil union / domestic partnership.
Insurance issue solved!
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