Anthony Putz, a gay New Jersey resident, says he’s at risk for losing his health coverage because his partner’s employer won’t recognize their civil union.
Putz and his partner, Patrick Callaghan, both 47, have been together for about 15 years.
The couple lives in Williamstown, where Callaghan works as custodian at the Wiliamstown Middle School.
GCA Services Group Inc., which is based in Ohio, is Callaghan’s employer.
Callaghan isn’t employed by the Monroe Township School Board, which owns the middle school, because the board contracted with GCA to provide custodial services.
On June 22, the men legalized their relationship in a civil-union ceremony that’s registered in Monroe Township, Gloucester County.
After the ceremony, Callaghan promptly had Putz placed on the health plan he receives through GCA.
But on July 23, the men were notified that Putz will be removed from the plan because GCA is based in Ohio, which doesn’t recognize civil unions.
Kevin Kovitch, a spokesperson for GCA, had no comment for this story.
On Aug. 8, the men attended a Monroe Township school-board meeting and urged board members to ensure that Putz retains his health coverage.
“We hope the board will get GCA to just leave me on the insurance, and fix the problem so it doesn’t happen to anyone else,” Putz said after the meeting.
He said board members appeared sympathetic but they declined to comment on the issue publicly, on the advice of counsel.
Schools superintendent Charles M. Earling declined to comment for this story other than to note that Callaghan is employed by GCA, not the school board.
Putz said he shouldn’t be penalized because of Ohio law.
“I never stepped foot in Ohio,” he said. “I don’t understand why Ohio law should govern my situation in New Jersey.”
If Callaghan were employed by the school board, Putz’s benefits wouldn’t be in jeopardy because the board recognizes civil unions, Putz said.
Putz has reached out to numerous individuals and entities in an effort to retain his coverage.
“I’m not taking this lightly,” Putz added. “My future is in jeopardy. I have degenerative bone disease and can’t walk without crutches. I’m facing multiple reconstructive surgeries over the next few years. I know it’s not going to be cheap. I’m on Medicare, but that coverage is woefully inadequate. I desperately need the financial support of Patrick’s health plan so I can walk again.”
Putz said his dilemma spotlights the need for marriage equality on a national level.
“We need our congressmen and senators to act on a federal level to fix this once and for all,” he continued. “It’s a totally unacceptable situation, and one [that] I don’t want to fund with my tax dollars.”
He said many people in the community have been supportive.
“They can’t believe this is happening when we tell our story,” he said. “They don’t think it’s possible in New Jersey, which has a very strong history of supporting LGBT rights.”
Putz has reached out to politicians for assistance, including U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews (D-N.J.).
Timothy Garvin, a spokesperson for Andrews, had no comment at pres time.
“We’re going to continue speaking out until this problem is resolved,” Putz said. “We’ve been LGBT activists for 25 years. Speaking up is part of who we are.”