Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage
Abstract
The majority of Alaskans and Americans who have health insurance coverage get it through an
employer—either their own employer or the employer of a family member. The U.S. Census
Bureau estimates that 55.4% of all Alaskans got health insurance through an employer in
2012—and 68.4% of those with health insurance got it through an employer. But those census
estimates also suggest that the share of Alaskans and other Americans who get health
insurance from their employers has been gradually declining (Figures I-1a and I-1b).
Figure I-1a. Figure I-1b.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Health Insurance Historical Tables-HIB Series, Table HIB-4: Health Insurance Coverage Status and
Type of Coverage by State--All Persons: 1999 to 2012, http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/data/historical/HIB_tables.html.
Because employer-sponsored insurance is so important to Alaskans, the Alaska Health Care
Commission sponsored a survey of businesses, local governments, and school districts
statewide, asking whether they offer employees insurance or other health benefits, which
employees are eligible, and what types of plans and rates they offer.Alaska Health Care Commission.Introduction / Study Methodology / Employers and Employees Covered by Survey / Alaska Firms and Health-Care Benefits / Employee Coverage, Eligibility, and Participation / Cost of Health Insurance and Funding / Wellness Programs and Consumer Information / Comparing 2006 and 2013 Surveys / Conclusions / References / Appendix A. Survey Questionnaire / Appendix B. Open-Ended Survey Response