AP: Same-Sex Benefits Suit Filed by Harrison Hospital Worker

A Harrison hospital worker and her same-sex spouse have filed a lawsuit against St. Joseph's Medical Center and Blue Cross Blue Shield claiming they were denied health benefits, according to a report from the Associated Press.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan and is seeking past and future health benefits as well as a declaration that the couple is entitled to benefits.

Although the same-sex couple's names have been kept anonymous, said the report, one of the women works in on North Street in Harrison. St. Vincent's is a division of St. Joseph's, the hospital named in the lawsuit.

St. Joseph's Hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield did not return calls from the AP seeking comment.

Randolph McLaughlin, the woman's attorney, told the AP the lawsuit is unique because it challenges the federal Defense of Marriage Act to receive health care benefits.