It’s open enrollment time and for the first time I’ve looked into getting Snuff onto my dental plan. I will say that I am very fortunate to be offered same-sex benefits but I have a few philosophical conflicts.

Prove you’re committed to each other
The obvious argument is that legally married couples have it easy but to take it further, look at points i to vii. My company is setting parameters for a proper same sex marriage. I am put under more scrutiny than those who; have married minors, are bigamists, are polygamists, are monogamous, are financial dependents, are in a marriage of convenience, are squatters. I have to produce 5 pieces of documentation about how I’m financially tied to my boyfriend… married people don’t even have to show a marriage license.

Inheritance requirements
Had I realized my homosexuality after siring children, I could not set them as primary beneficiaries. My company assumes that I’ll kick the bucket before my man does? Though I have no children to speak of, I like my parents and their siblings, prefer setting primary beneficiaries to the next generation – long story, see ultimogeniture.

I can only take solace in the fact that non-committed opposite-sex couple will have to jump through the same notary validated hoops I have to go through.

The definition of eligible family members is as follows:

1. your legal spouse (of opposite sex) not legally separated from you, or
2. your same-sex partner who meets the following criteria:
   1. You and your same-sex partner live in a state that has a process to recognize same-sex domestic partnerships, civil unions, etc., and you have formalized your same-sex relationship through that process.
   2. You and your same-sex partner live in a state that permits same-sex marriages and you and your same-sex partner are legally married.
   3. You live in a state that does not have a process to recognize same-sex partners and, therefore, have not formalized your same-sex partnership as indicated in A) and B) above. However, all of the criteria below are met:
      1. You and your partner are at least age 18.
      2. Neither you nor your partner are legally married to another person of the opposite sex or in a same-sex partnership with another person, and have not been for at least six months.
      3. You and your partner are not related to each other by blood to a degree of closeness that would prohibit marriage in your state of residence.
      4. You and your partner are in an exclusive, committed relationship that is intended to continue indefinitely.
      5. You and your partner share a mutual obligation of support and responsibility for each other’s welfare.
      6. You and your partner currently share a principal residence, have done so for at least six months, and intend to reside together indefinitely.
      7. You must be able to provide 5 of the 8 documentation categories as set forth below.

For 2C above, you must provide a notarized affidavit certifying to items 2(C)(i) through 2(C)(vi) and provide documentation demonstrating that you and your eligible same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partner meet at least 5 of the 8 categories below. Documentation must prove:

1. Joint interest in real property, as evidenced by title or mortgage, lease, or rental agreement, by you and your partner
2. Joint ownership or purchase of a motor vehicle by you and your partner
3. Joint ownership of a checking, savings, or investment account or joint liability for a loan or credit accounts by you and your partner
4. Your partner is named as primary beneficiary for your Company-sponsored life insurance policy
5. Your partner is named as primary beneficiary for your Company-sponsored pension plan benefits, Company-sponsored deferred compensation plan, or Company-sponsored 401(k) plan
6. Your partner is named as primary beneficiary in your will
7. Your partner has authority to deal with property owned by you under a valid written power of attorney
   You have given your partner written authority to make decisions concerning your health and well-being if you are unable to do so