Healthcare (Insurance)

signed · Alaska · House Jul 3, 2026

HB 110: An Act relating to the rural health transformation program; relating to the interstate medical licensure compact; relating to the PA licensure compact; relating to the psychology interjurisdictional compact; relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to a social work licensure compact; relating to the practice of social work; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to national criminal history record checks; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; relating to the recognition of EMS personnel licensure interstate compact; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; establishing the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council; and providing for an effective date.

HB 110 enables Alaska to join a multi-state social work licensure compact, allowing licensed social workers from participating states to practice in Alaska without obtaining a separate license. The bill updates Alaska's licensing regulations to align with the compact, requiring continuing education, professional ethics standards, and practice guidelines for all licensees. It also clarifies penalties for practicing social work without a valid license or using restricted titles (like "LCSW") while holding a suspended or expired license. This directly affects social workers seeking to practice across state lines and the Alaska Board of Social Work, which must implement the compact's requirements. The changes take effect upon the bill's approval, streamlining licensure for mobile social work professionals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access by enabling multi-state licensure compacts for social workers and respiratory care practitioners, improving workforce availability and patient access to care.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medical Licensing Telehealth

in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 276: An Act relating to insurance coverage for contraceptives and related services; relating to medical assistance coverage for contraceptives and related services; and providing for an effective date.

This bill requires health insurance plans in Alaska to cover prescription contraceptives and related medical services without imposing copayments or deductibles on most insured individuals. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage if a person switches contraceptive methods within a year and prevents restrictions like prior authorization that could limit access to these products. Religious employers who oppose contraceptive coverage are exempt from these requirements but must inform enrollees about the available options. The law applies to both individual and group market plans while allowing some flexibility for high-deductible health plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands insurance coverage for contraceptives, removes cost barriers like copayments, and prevents access restrictions, directly strengthening healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Women's Health

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in committee · Alaska · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 293: An Act relating to the practice of genetic counseling; relating to the licensure of genetic counselors; establishing the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council; relating to the duties of the State Medical Board; relating to telehealth by licensed genetic counselors; relating to medical malpractice liability of licensed genetic counselors; relating to immunity from civil liability for a licensed genetic counselor providing free health care services; and prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against genetic counselors.

HB 293 establishes a licensing system for genetic counselors in Alaska, requiring them to be licensed under new Chapter 53 of the state code. The bill creates a Genetic Counseling Advisory Council to advise the State Medical Board, sets telehealth practice standards for licensed counselors, and clarifies their medical malpractice liability protections. It also prohibits group health insurance plans from discriminating against genetic counselors. This legislation directly affects genetic counselors by defining their professional standards, practice scope, and legal protections within Alaska's healthcare system.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing for genetic counselors, prohibits insurance discrimination, and sets telehealth standards to improve access and protect healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medical Licensing Telehealth

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in committee · Alaska · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 362: An Act relating to the practice of respiratory care; relating to the duties of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to telehealth provided by respiratory care practitioners; relating to medical malpractice liability of respiratory care practitioners; relating to immunity from civil liability for a respiratory care practitioner providing free health care services; relating to respiratory care practitioners providing documentation and treatment plans for public school students with asthma or anaphylaxis; prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against respiratory care practitioners; and providing for an effective date.

HB 362 establishes licensing requirements for respiratory care practitioners in Alaska, prohibiting unlicensed practice or use of titles like "R.C.P." It expands their scope to include telehealth services and requires them to provide asthma/anaphylaxis treatment plans for public school students. The bill also clarifies their medical malpractice liability, grants immunity for free care provided in emergencies, and prohibits group health insurers from unfairly discriminating against these practitioners. These changes apply directly to respiratory care professionals, schools, insurers, and healthcare providers in Alaska.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands respiratory care scope to telehealth, requires school asthma plans, prohibits insurer discrimination, improving access and coverage for patients.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Telehealth

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in committee · Alaska · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 266: An Act relating to reimbursement for non-network health insurance claims.

SB 266 requires Alaska health insurers to reimburse non-network healthcare providers (like doctors or hospitals not in an insurer's preferred network) for services at a rate of at least 75% of the median rate paid to in-network providers for the same service. This applies to all health care services and supplies provided by non-network providers. The reimbursement rate is calculated using the median of the insurer's own network rates in Alaska at the time the service is delivered. The bill sets a clear minimum standard to ensure non-network providers receive fair compensation without dictating specific dollar amounts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates 75% reimbursement for non-network providers, improving access to out-of-network care and preventing insurer underpayment that limits patient choice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Alaska · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 248: An Act relating to the practice of genetic counseling; relating to the licensure of genetic counselors; establishing the Genetic Counseling Advisory Council; relating to the duties of the State Medical Board; relating to telehealth by licensed genetic counselors; relating to medical malpractice liability of licensed genetic counselors; relating to immunity from civil liability for a licensed genetic counselor providing free health care services; and prohibiting unfair discrimination under group health insurance against genetic counselors.

SB 248 establishes a licensing requirement for genetic counselors in Alaska, meaning they must obtain a license to practice. The bill creates a Genetic Counseling Advisory Council to guide licensing standards, sets rules for telehealth services provided by licensed counselors, and clarifies medical malpractice liability. It also provides immunity from civil claims when counselors offer free health care services and prohibits group health insurance plans from discriminating against genetic counselors. This legislation directly affects genetic counselors, the State Medical Board (which will oversee licensing), and health insurers in Alaska.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes licensing for genetic counselors, ensures qualified care, expands telehealth access, prohibits insurance discrimination, and clarifies malpractice protections to improve healthcare access and patient rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medical Licensing Telehealth

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in committee · Alaska · House Feb 6, 2026

HB 294: An Act relating to health care insurance deductibles.

HB 294 limits health care insurance deductibles for plans sold in Alaska. It prohibits insurers from requiring annual deductibles above $1,700 for individual plans or $3,400 for family plans. The bill directly affects health insurance providers and consumers by setting these maximums for covered policies. This is a new restriction on insurer pricing practices, not a funding or benefit change.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareLimits insurer deductibles ($1,700/$3,400 max), reducing out-of-pocket costs for consumers and improving access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Alaska · House May 6, 2026

HB 292: An Act relating to insurance coverage for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders; and providing for an effective date.

HB 292 requires Alaska health insurers to cover diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for specific treatments including antimicrobials, behavioral therapies, immune-related medicines, plasma exchange, and IVIG therapy. The bill prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on prior treatment, using inconsistent guidelines for immune therapies, requiring "trial" therapies before approving immune treatments, or restricting care based on age or out-of-state availability. This directly affects families with children diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS and insurers offering health plans in Alaska, ensuring equitable coverage without discriminatory practices.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for PANDAS/PANS treatments including mental health therapies, expanding access to medical care for minors per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance

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in committee · Alaska · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 272: An Act relating to insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; relating to medical assistance for prosthetic and orthotic devices; and providing for an effective date.

HB 272 requires Alaska health insurers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices at a level matching federal standards (42 U.S.C. 1395k-1395m). It directly affects people needing these devices and insurers offering health plans in Alaska’s group or individual markets. Key provisions mandate coverage for all medically necessary devices (including materials, instruction, and repairs/replacements without lifetime restrictions), require two in-network providers, and prohibit special financial requirements for prosthetic/orthotic coverage. Insurers must cover repairs if costs exceed 60% of replacement and provide clear denial explanations. The bill aims to ensure equitable access to devices essential for daily living and physical activities.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurer coverage for prosthetic/orthotic devices without lifetime limits, expanding access to necessary medical care per federal standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Alaska · House May 13, 2025

HJR 17: Urging the United States Congress to pass the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act; and urging lawmakers to advocate for policies that guarantee equitable access to vital healthcare.

HJR 17 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Alaska State Legislature urging the U.S. Congress to support the federal Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. It does not create new laws but calls for the Alaska congressional delegation to advocate for this federal bill, which aims to require private health insurance to cover all medically necessary treatments for congenital anomalies (like cleft lip/palate or hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia) without lifetime or annual limits. The resolution specifically highlights how families face financial hardship due to coverage gaps for ongoing care, citing a local student’s experience with high dental costs. It directly affects Alaskan residents with congenital conditions by seeking to ensure equitable access to comprehensive, uninterrupted healthcare coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill urges federal action to require insurance coverage of medically necessary congenital anomaly treatments without limits, directly advancing equitable healthcare access and expanding coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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