DENVER — In the face of a lawsuit filed by a same-sex couple that claimed they were denied health benefits by Cherry Creek Mortgage Company, the employer has changed its policy.
The change in policy comes just a day after Denver7 reported on the federal discrimination lawsuit filed by a California couple that claimed they were denied benefits only due to their same-sex marriage.
Judith Dominguez, 59, and Patricia Martinez, 55, filed suit against both companies through which Cherry Creek Mortgage offers insurance, and the company itself, saying when one of the women suffered a heart attack, they were denied help.
In the lawsuit, the family says they are still receiving bills for treatment Martinez received while the couple was supposed to be covered.
However, Cherry Creek Mortgage — based in Greenwood Village — said on Thursday, they evaluated their stance as a company and decided to change company policy.
"Going forward, it will cover same sex spouses in its health pan effective immediately," the company said in a release. "The company believes it is consistent with its values, and in the best interest of its employees and community."
Despite that statement, the company maintains it was within its legal rights to withhold coverage prior to the change.
Dominguez and Martinez are still seeking damages for the bills they have received when they say they should have been covered.
