The Williams Institute

Including employees’ domestic partners in public employers’ health care and other benefits will have positive effects on state and local government employers in Alaska. The possibility of cost increases is usually high on the list of concerns, although a great deal of evidence suggests that cost increases will be small (Ash and Badgett, 2005; Badgett, 2000; Badgett, 2001; Badgett and Sears, 2005; Kohn 1999; International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists, 1995). Just as important are the benefits that the State of Alaska will see if public employees’ partners are eligible for benefits.