October 16, 1992 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Page 9

Rights commission dismisses AIDS insurance-limiting case

by Lynn McIntyre

An Ohio Civil Rights Commission's insurance discrimination case against Russell Vernon, the owner of West Point Market in Akron, was dismissed in September. The dismissal ended a potentially precedentsetting case against employers limiting health insurance coverage for employees with AIDS.

The case began in February 1991, when Robert Johnson, an assistant professor of sociology at Kent State University, filed charges with the commission against Vernon. Vernon was charged with limiting health insurance coverage to $25,000 for AIDS, drug and alcohol, and psychological treatments while other conditions were covered to $1 million. The case lost momentum in August when Vernon adopted an insurance plan that covered all conditions up to $2 million.

Johnson had filed the complaint on behalf of all employees at the Market, based on his knowledge of the health insurance situation at the time. [Anyone, whether directly affected or not, may report a grievance or file charges with the Commission, which is then required to investigate.]

Johnson, although pleased with Vernon's new insurance policy, decided not to withdraw his charge. Referring to a statement Vernon gave to the Akron Beacon Journal, Johnson said, "He (Vernon) still believes

limiting health insurance coverage for AIDS

is a legal action and that is why I will not withdraw my charge."

Johnson hoped the Commission would continue the case against Vernon and obtain a conciliation agreement. Such an agreement would require Vernon to continue to carry equal insurance coverage for all conditions. However, after reviewing the case during a public meeting in September, the Commission decided to dismiss the

case.

Assistant Ohio attorney general Mary Jo Toumert, represented Johnson throughout the case. When asked what the Commission would do if Vernon was found not to be in compliance with state health insurance laws for a second time, Toumert said, "We'd go after him again." She added, "In some sense it [a second case] might be easier to prosecute." Toumert noted that currently Vernon is in compliance with state laws and that compliance was the goal of the Commission when the case began.

Johnson is pleased with the efforts of the Commission. He hopes that individuals who are aware of employers limiting health care coverage will call the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Johnson said, "It (the Commission's action) was sufficient, I believe, to cause West Point Market to get a new insurance policy."

Vernon could not be reached for comment.

Premiere of Monette stories to benefit HIV community

An extraordinary evening of purpose and performance will be held November 2 at the Cleveland Play House, 8500 Euclid Avenue, with the second annual "Take a Stand" benefit. "Take a Stand' is a major fundraiser for direct services to people with HIV or AIDS in the greater Cleveland area. All proceeds are being given to the Health Issues Taskforce (HIT) for administration and distribution to the community.

The gala event begins at 6:30 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails for Patrons and Benefactors, and the start of the Silent Auction. Co-chair Honey Lazar reports that more than $40,000 worth of merchandise and services have been donated for the auction, reflecting the interest and commitment of donors to this event. Ray Clarke is coordinating the auction.

Then at 7:45 the featured performance gets underway. It is the world premiere of A Country Beyond Tears, a dramatic reading based on three works of Paul Monette: Borrowed Time, Love Alone, and Becoming a Man. Victor Brown adapted the stories for the stage. The performance is directed by Leslie Swackhamer.

After the performance, dessert will be served and the Silent Auction will remain open until 9:45.

Josephine Abady, artistic director of the Play House, graciously donated use of the Bolton Theater for the event. The Cleveland Play House Lab Company is donating their talent to rehearse and perform the world premiere.

Becoming a Man, which is Monette's coming out story, has received a nomination for the National Book Award, as announced in in the October 6 New York Times, a prestigious accolade, especially considering the story content. Monette was the featured guest and read from his works at last year's "Take a Stand" which raised about $40,000.

According to Lazar, "Take a Stand" is a "non-ego benefit" with no anointed leaders and no administrative expenses deducted. She is proud of and encouraged by the broad-based support within the straight and gay community where everyone works together for this local event. All proceeds will become immediately available through the services HIT provides or arranges for people in the HIV spectrum, including rent and utility assistance, health care, transportation, and funeral cost coverage.

Besides Lazar, Janie B. Weiss and Jillian Wolstein are the co-chairs for the event. The evening's activities are also being directed by Brint Learned and HIT's John Beres.

Tickets for the event start at $75 (Friend); there is also a $150 (Patron) and $250 (Benefactor) level. All tickets include the performance, dessert and auction. Contributions and ticket orders may be sent to Janie B. Weiss, 1507 Hunters Chase Dr, Westlake, OH 44145. Make your check payable to "Take a Stand." For more information you may call 899-9249.

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