Following a lawsuit filed by a former employee over the loss of health insurance coverage for her and her spouse, the chairman of a Colorado-based mortgage banker is out.
Cherry Creek Mortgage Co. and UnitedHealthcare were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed by Judith Dominguez, a former employee in California.
The lawsuit alleges that Dominguez and her spouse, who were enrolled in the Greenwood Village, Colorado-based firm’s health insurance plan in 2016, were denied re-enrollment at the end of the year.
The reason:
the lender only covers spouses who are in a legal union between one man and one woman. But Dominguez is married to another woman whom she has been with for 29 years and legally married in California in 2013.
On Thursday, Cherry Creek announced that even though it believes it was at all times acting within its legal and business rights, it was changing its policy.
“Cherry Creek Mortgage has taken this as an opportunity to reevaluate and change its health care policy,” the statement said. “Going forward, it will cover same sex spouses in its health plan effective immediately. The company believes it is consistent with its values, and in the best interest of its employees and community.”
Then, on Friday, another statement indicated that
Will Armstrong resigned as chairman of the board.
“I am grateful for the chance to have been a part of the team that helped thousands in achieving the dream of homeownership and in assisting them in managing often the largest financial transaction of their lives,” Armstrong stated in the news release. “My prayers will continue for Cherry Creek Mortgage’s management and employees, including their family members.”
During its three decades in business, Cherry Creek — which is the parent of 1st Reverse Mortgage USA — reports that it has originated more than 217,000 residential loans for a total of $4.3 billion.
Cherry Creek reports a staff of more than 950 employees and a branch network of 70 offices in 14 states.
