Divided We Fail
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is proud to support Divided We Fail, a movement to propel action and solutions that provide all Americans with access to affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security. Divided We Fail is a joint collaboration between AARP, Business Roundtable, Service Employees International Union and National Federation of Independent Business. Launched in January of 2007, Divided We Fail is committed to compelling our leaders to find common-sense solutions to the problems facing health care and financial security for America’s seniors.
Bringing the voices and concerns of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to this mainstream dialogue about affordable health care and financial security is enormously important. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors face unique barriers in gaining access to housing, healthcare, long-term care and other needed services. In addition, GLBT seniors lack the societal protections that straight couples often take for granted. For example, the surviving GLBT partner of a retiree receives no Social Security survivor benefits. In addition, surviving GLBT partners must pay a 20 percent tax on inherited 401(k) money. In contrast, legal spouses under age 70 1/2 can roll the entire amount into a tax-free IRA. And, as we know, the right to make decisions for an ailing partner or visit a partner who's been hospitalized can be significant challenges for all LGBT couples.
To learn more, visit the Divided We Fail website.