Kaine plans to extend health benefits to same-sex partners

[Blue_Tires]

RICHMOND -- Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has directed his staff to begin putting into effect a proposal that would allow same-sex partners to be covered under the state's employee health plan.

The incoming governor, Robert F. McDonnell (R), who has sparred with Kaine (D) on gay rights issues, expressed concern Thursday about the potential cost of the proposal but did not criticize what is expected to be a controversial one.

"My first question is, what the cost to the state by expanding those policies?" McDonnell said at a news conference at the state Capitol. "I am all for using business -- public and private -- to expand health-care coverage. . . . But what I don't know is, what is the cost that has to be borne by the state government versus the individual new subscriber?"

The proposal, which comes weeks before Kaine leaves office, would expand benefits to qualified adults who live in the same house as an insured state employee. Those adults could include heterosexual and homosexual partners, roommates, children and other family members, such as an aunt or grandfather.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/03/AR2009120304329.html