Alaska Health Policy Review
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January 22, 2010 - Vol 4, Issue 2
In This Issue
Health Care Costs and Medicare in Alaska
Please Respect Our Copyright
Budget Analysis Through the Eyes of the Alaska Primary Care Association
Bill Watch
Health Policy Calendar
AHPR Staff and Contributors
Subscribe Now to the Alaska Health Policy Review
Resources
From the Editor

Dear Reader,

Why have we made the decision to track SB 23 (and the companion HB 30) with the ungainly title of, "An Act repealing the defined contribution retirement plans for teachers and for public employees; providing a defined benefit retirement plan for teachers and public employees; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date"? We think there is a very good reason.

In 2005, after a brief but contentious battle in a special session, the Alaska Legislature voted to destroy two excellent public employee pension plans and their associated health care plans, and replace them with vastly inferior retirement plans and health care plans. You can find many of the details at the website of the Alaska Public Pension Coalition, of which we are a proud member.

Apologies for the brief vocabulary lesson, but it is crucial in this issue. A defined benefit (DB) retirement plan (also known as a traditional pension plan) provides monthly pension checks -- a predictable, stable income that retirees cannot outlive. This is what all public employees used to have.

A defined contribution (DC) retirement plan is similar to a 401(k) savings account. It provides no established monthly pension, and it provides nothing to fall back on when the "savings account" is depleted. This is what public employees in Alaska have who were hired after July 1, 2006. Worse yet, it also features a terrible health plan compared to the previous one.

Under the new DC plan, the retirement savings invested by our teachers and state employees can be wiped out by medical bills if they have an accident, or if illness strikes in retirement. If this happens, most of Alaska's public employee retirees do not have the Social Security safety net provided in most other states.

The state's new medical plan is difficult to access and expensive for retirees. Retirees must retire directly from public service to access any medical benefits. Many older employees may not be able to work long enough in demanding jobs to reach retirement. Under the new DC medical plan, to be eligible the retiree:
  • must have at least 30 years of service (or 25 years for police officers or fire fighters)
  • be of 'normal retirement age,' i.e., eligible for Social Security plus have at least 10 years of service, and
  • must have 12 months of continuous employment immediately prior to retirement.
If the years of service and continuous employment criteria are not met, the DC retiree does not qualify for any medical benefits. If these criteria are met, the Retiree Medical Benefits offered are limited and expensive:
  • The DC plan provides access to a retiree major medical plan, but the retiree must pay 100 percent of the premiums until he/she is eligible for Medicare. Even after age 65, the retiree must still pay a portion of premiums.
  • The DC plan provides access to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). A HRA is an individual account paid for by the employer at three percent of the employer's average annual employee compensation, which can be used to pay the retiree major medical plan premium and can be used to pay for medical expenses. However, once this HRA fund is depleted, the retiree is responsible for all medical expenses.
Finally, as restrictive as the new health plan is, it may become much worse. Under the new DC plan the state may change or terminate the DC medical plan at any time, which could leave retirees with absolutely no insurance for medical costs. Now you know why we are tracking these two bills.

You will find these and other public policies of interest in our Bill Watch section below. It is preceded by a quick review of four recent reports and research pieces with important policy implications in Alaska, and a brief analysis of the new budget from the governor.

Lawrence D. Weiss PhD, MS
Editor, AHPR
ldweiss@acpp.info
Current Research of Note
                                                           
High Costs, Low Medicare Reimbursement, and Potential for Solutions

By Senior Policy Analyst Kelby L. Murphy

How much higher are health care costs in Alaska? And why don't more doctors accept new Medicare clients? What implications does national health reform have for Alaska? These health care issues are part of the many and frequent discussions on both national and local health reform. Recent research highlights these problems and clarifies their severity: common procedures in Alaska are much higher than in the Lower 48 states, and Medicare pays a substantial amount less than private insurance in our state. Additionally, some researchers in Alaska propose that the current national reform efforts might have negative consequences for both Alaska's Medicare recipients as well as the general economy.
 
Below are brief summaries of four reports, issued in the last six months, by researchers in Alaska on these problems, which may be rather unique among the 50 states. The first, conducted by the State of Alaska Division of Insurance (DOI), details the difference between insurance reimbursement rates for common procedures between Alaska and Seattle, Washington. The authors found that for every procedure code, prices in Alaska were higher, sometimes substantially so. The remaining two reports are based on research done at UAA's Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), and cover the increasingly complex issue of Alaska's lack of primary care physicians accepting new Medicare patients.
 
The final summary is a brief overview of the Alaska Health Care Commission's first report to the governor and state Legislature, issued one week ago. The full report provides findings related to those by the DOI and ISER, recommendations to transform the health care system in Alaska, and potential solutions ahead.
 
Alaska Cost Comparison Report
State of Alaska Division of Insurance
Issued December 16, 2009
 
Health insurance regulations in Alaska stipulate that insurers reimburse at the 80th percentile of actual billed charges. The Alaska Division of Insurance (DOI) conducted a study investigating adherence to this law, and compared insurance reimbursement rates between Seattle, Washington and Alaska. The DOI collected information from insurers on billed charges for specified common procedure codes in both Anchorage and Seattle. The authors found that for every procedure code, prices in Alaska were higher, and sometimes substantially so.
 
For example, a basic office visit in Alaska costs between 7 and 35 percent higher than charges billed in Seattle. For common surgeries, the rate is 82 to 128 percent higher in Alaska than in Seattle. The authors attribute one possible reason for this as being the need to provide financial incentives (e.g. higher rates for services, higher salaries) to recruit and retain health care providers, and a lack of competition. Citing a Kaiser study, the authors described how competition makes it difficult for insurers to negotiate discounts and decrease costs of health care. In addition, the higher cost of living in Alaska requires higher salaries to recruit and retain providers for their services.
 
The Alaska Division of Insurance study also examined the differences between Medicare reimbursement rates and the standard 80 percent of billed charges reimbursement from other health insurers in Alaska. The largest differences were seen in specialty health care, yet were among the most common procedures delivered by specialists. In some cases, the differences were staggering: reimbursement for common surgeries is anywhere between 272 and 488 percent higher for private health insurers, than for the allowed amounts established and paid for by Medicare. The authors suggest this may be the primary reason why so many doctors in Alaska refuse to accept new Medicare patients. In addition, private insurers in Alaska pay, on average, 50 percent more than Medicare for most services.
 
Expanded data on specific procedure codes and price comparisons between Seattle and Alaska, as well as between Alaska and Medicare allowed amounts are available. See the full report online.
 
How Hard is it for Alaska's Medicare Patients to Find Family Doctors?
Institute of Social and Economic Research, UAA
Issued March 2009
 
As the number of seniors in Alaska continues to rise, health care reform discussions are focusing on the issue of access to health care for Medicare recipients. A recent study by the University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) describes the current conditions for Alaska's seniors and primary care health care access. Their findings suggest that an alarming number of primary care physicians continue to refuse to see new Medicare patients, despite a recent increase in Medicare payments. And, despite that increase, Medicare payments are still only two-thirds the amount paid by private insurance.
 
The study focused on primary care providers only, indicating that access to specialists for Medicare recipients is not as concerning. Of the 700 licensed primary care physicians in Alaska (in 2006), the authors determined that 264 were eligible and likely to see Medicare patients. Of that number, ISER surveyed 229 primary care doctors regarding their willingness to see new Medicare patients. An initial study was conducted in 2008 and a follow-up study in 2009, following the passing of federal legislation that increased Medicare payments by 29 percent. The authors conducted a follow-up study with the primary care providers who had previously indicated that they would not see new Medicare patients, to see if the increased payments had any impact. Unfortunately, it did not.
 
Key Findings
  • Providers refusing to accept new Medicare patients is mostly a problem in Anchorage, but that is where most seniors live. Close to 70 percent of non-Native Alaskans over the age of 65 live in the areas of Anchorage, Mat- Su Borough, and Fairbanks.
  • Almost all primary care doctors in smaller Alaska communities accept new Medicare patients.
  • Ten percent of doctors surveyed have opted out of Medicare. Some doctors agree to see Medicare patients who will pay the bill on their own, either out of pocket or through a secondary insurance plan.
  • The Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center saw two times as many Medicare patients in 2007 than in 2001.
  • A high number of primary care doctors (five out of thirteen) who indicated they will accept new Medicare patients, currently practice at the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center.
History of Medicare versus Private Insurance Payments in Alaska
 
Historically, Alaska doctors have been paid more than doctors in the Lower 48 states. The determination of payments through Medicare is a complex procedure, and one that has altered payment schedules in Alaska over time. For example, during the period between 2004 and 2005, federal legislation heavily backed by Senator Stevens resulted in a substantial increase in Medicare payments. The increase placed Medicare reimbursement rates at the same as private insurance reimbursement. However, once that federal legislation expired, Medicare payments dropped sharply between 2006 and 2008. They rose again following legislation that increased payments in Alaska by 29 percent in 2009.
 
Differences in Medicare reimbursement rates between community health centers and primary care doctors complicate this issue as well. As mentioned previously, community health centers, such as the Alaska Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC), see a majority of Medicare patients. Depending on the type of visit, Medicare pays a health center differently than a primary care physician. For example, shorter visits yield higher payments to community health centers, whereas longer, more complex visits pay primary care doctors $70 more per visit than community health centers. However, neither the ANHC nor the primary care doctors actually collect the full payment amount. There is a patient sliding scale fee schedule for individuals with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The patient portion of the billed charge is not always collected, and both private doctors and the ANHC report losing money when they see Medicare patients.
 
Breakdown of How Medicare Pays Participating and Non-Participating Doctors in Alaska
 
The authors give specific examples for the Medicare payment structure in Alaska. They grouped physicians into three categories: participating, non-participating, and opted-out of Medicare. For participating providers, the doctor agrees to charge the allowable amount set by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services. Of that amount, Medicare pays 80 percent, and the patient pays the rest out of pocket or through a secondary insurance. For non-participating doctors, providers can charge above the Medicare allowed amount, leaving the remainder to the patient's responsibility. A secondary insurance can pick up some of the remainder, however the patient is responsible for any overage in billed charges over the allowed Medicare amount. Also for non-participating providers, patients are responsible for paying the entire amount at the time of service, and are required to submit a claim to Medicare to be reimbursed for 80 percent of the allowed amount. For doctors who opt out of Medicare, they may agree to see Medicare patients, yet often only if the patient picks up the entire fee, which is set by the primary care doctor, not Medicare (and therefore higher).
 
This report highlighted limited parts of a larger study, and ISER plans to release additional data on individual perspectives of primary care doctors. For example, how they make decisions about whether or not they will see Medicare patients, and factors that may increase the likelihood of increasing their acceptance of new, or more, Medicare patients. The authors note that because Medicare is a federal program, states are limited in their ability to increase access to care for Medicare patients. They indicate that discussions regarding ways in which our state can increase access to care for Medicare patients are ongoing, and include establishing an Anchorage clinic for Medicare patients, or expanding the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center. The authors do not expand on how federal reform legislation might affect Medicare patients' access to primary care doctors, but address this issue in a more recent report, summarized below.
 
For detailed graphs and examples of the breakdown of Medicare patients by type of primary care provider in Alaska, see the full ISER report.
 
Response to Questions: Analysis of Potential Effects on Alaska of Proposed Health Care Reform Legislation
Institute of Social and Economic Research, UAA
Issued November 24, 2009
 
Expanding on previous research, the University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) recently released a supplementary article on national health care reform and Medicare. The authors refer to health reform legislation passed in the House, and the recent legislation introduced in the Senate, and defend the view that both forms of federal legislation pose risks for the Alaska health care system, as well as the economy. Specifically, their preliminary research suggests that the expansion of Medicaid and the public option would not fare very well in Alaska, compared with the Lower 48 states.
 
Citing the many differences in state health care systems between Alaska and the Lower 48 states, the authors suggest that we consider an "opt-out" provision for Alaska that would allow the state to design a more tailored health care reform plan in line with the special needs of Alaska's health care system. As an example of a tailored plan for Alaska, the authors briefly describe the "all-payer" system in the state of Maryland. This type of health care system has allowed providers to focus on delivering health care due to the standardized payment structure, regardless of who is paying. That is, payments for services are the same for Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, and self-payers.
 
Potential Negative Effect on Medicare Recipients
 
The authors surveyed primary care doctors in Alaska, and determined that only 17 percent would accept new Medicare patients, compared with 61 percent of primary care providers nationwide. Medicaid expansion, which is part of both the House and Senate health reform legislation, could make access to care for seniors, especially those covered by Medicare, even worse. The authors note that Alaska is one of only two states where Medicaid pays higher than the Medicare. This means that with the thousands of previously uninsured Alaskans gaining access to health insurance, Alaska seniors will be competing with these individuals for access to primary health care. Combining this with the exponential rate of growth of Alaskans over the age of 65 (and thus, those eligible for Medicare), this could pose a major problem for seniors' access to primary care providers.
 
The authors note that this rise in the baby boomer population is already having an impact: surveys of the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center and VA facilities indicate that, over the last few years, the number of patients over the age of 65 have increased by 50 percent. In addition, visits to the emergency room by this population, which were previously low and stable, have increased over the last two years, leading to longer patient waiting times for urgent care.
 
National Health Reform: Health Care Costs and the Alaska Economy
 
The authors suggest that national health reform legislation may have negative consequences on the cost of health care in Alaska if enacted. They state that, "Alaska could be exposed to misguided policies that attempt to control geographic cost differentials across the country by focusing narrowly on cost per enrollee." Instead, the authors feel that more attention should be placed on increasing effectiveness and efficiency, rather than focusing on cost per individual. In addition, if costs increase and reimbursement decreases, Alaska may lose current providers to jobs in the Lower 48 states, further increasing the health care workforce shortage, especially in rural and remote areas of the state.
 
According to the ISER researchers, Alaska's economy could be affected negatively should the current federal health care reform legislation pass. The authors state that the taxes proposed in the current federal health reform legislation are likely to more greatly impact higher income states like Alaska. This could lead to a negative impact on the health care economy, as well as the economy in general. Alaska small employers could face difficulty complying with the new federal laws related to employer-sponsored health insurance, resulting in employee layoffs or decreased pay. The authors note that this would be more of a problem if the House provision is enacted, rather than the legislation proposed in the Senate.
 
View the full report online.
 
Alaska Health Care Commission Report: Transforming Health Care in Alaska
Released January 15, 2010
 
Last Friday, another great source for more information on these issues became available, and one that addresses the unique health care challenges faced in Alaska. The Health Care Commission submitted their first report, Transforming Health Care in Alaska, to Governor Parnell and the Legislature. The report details their findings and recommendations for an improved health care system in Alaska, and is based on their first year of research and feedback from state and private health-care providers in Alaska. They discuss the problems with the current health care system in Alaska, including those mentioned above in other reports. They describe four goals necessary for a transformed health care system in Alaska:
  1. Improve access to both health care services and affordable health insurance.
  2. Maintain cost growth by stabilizing Alaska's medical inflation rate.
  3. Ensure quality and safety in health care delivery.
  4. Focus on prevention, and not just for the individual, but community-based health, through policies and programs that promote wellness and reduce costs.
To meet these goals for creating a transformed health care system in Alaska, the commission recommends that state reform efforts focus on improving value (quality at a reasonable price), and place the individual at the center of health care delivery. In addition, the commission recommends five specific priority areas for meeting these goals:
  1. Strengthen the consumer's role in health and health care.
  2. Foster statewide leadership to support health care transformation.
  3. Develop the health care workforce.
  4. Deploy health information technology.
  5. Improve access to primary care for Medicare beneficiaries.
To view the 72-page Health Care Commission report, access the full report online.
 
Summary Notes
 
Clearly, Alaska's health care system faces many challenges. Unique geography, unequal distribution of primary care providers, high health care costs, increasing population of seniors, and low Medicare reimbursements pose obstacles for increasing access to health care. The research summarized above points to potentials reasons for high health care costs, as well as lack of physicians who will see Medicare patients.
 
Large differences between private insurance and Medicare reimbursements are undoubtedly a factor in the low number of primary care physicians who will see new Medicare patients. The senior population, however, may see specialists more frequently than primary care physicians. Lack of access to specialists does not appear to be a problem for Medicare recipients in Alaska, according to the researchers at ISER. However, the study conducted by the State of Alaska's Division of Insurance found that this area of medicine yielded the greatest differences in allowed charges between private insurance and Medicare. Additional research investigating the history of Alaska's health care cost structure, as well as the factors contributing to the large differences between private insurance and Medicare reimbursements, will further clarify the obstacles for health care access in Alaska.
 
As health care reform discussion continue, additional reports and resources will help illuminate the potential impact of legislation on the unique health care system in Alaska. The Kaiser Family Foundation provides current and comprehensive analyses on this issue, offering a useful tool to assist in navigating the lengthy health reform legislation. For example, the tool allows for direct navigation to specific issues such as Medicare reform, outlining any changes to the Medicare payment structure. Access the tool online.
 
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Alaska Health Policy Review is sent to individual and group subscribers for their exclusive use. Please contact us for information regarding significant discounts for multiple subscriptions within a single organization. Distributing copies of the Alaska Health Policy Review is prohibited under copyright restrictions without written permission from the editor; however, we encourage the use of a few sentences from an issue for reviews and other "Fair Use."

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For all related matters, please contact the editor, Lawrence D. Weiss, at health.policy.review@gmail.com.
 
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Budget Analysis Through the Eyes of the Alaska Primary Care Association

Governor Parnell's Budget and Health Care

Governor Parnell released his proposed 2011 Alaska state budget on December 14. Of the $10,244,987 billion operating budget, $2,147,318 billion was proposed for the Department of Health & Social Services. The state provides a wide variety of health care services, but only $350,000 is directly appropriated to assist Alaskan CHCs [Community Health Centers] with operating needs to promote senior access. Although the items that APCA requested on behalf of CHCs did not make it into the operating budget, APCA staff and member advocates are preparing to work closely with the Alaska Legislature to obtain some support for CHC operations from the state in the final budget.

Much of the proposed DHSS operating budget is intended to leverage federal funding, such as the $681,493 million state match for Medicaid. Other big ticket items in the DHSS budget are the proposed appropriations to Senior and Disability Services for $433,734 million while Public Assistance accounts for $291,647 million.

The Capital budget includes nothing that directly benefits Alaska's CHCs, but there are some appropriations impacting the health of Alaskans, such as $4 million in funding for deferred maintenance for the Pioneer Center.

The third and final budget is the Mental Health Bill. This budget proposes to appropriate $210,640,900 in capital requests and $195,440,900 in operating requests.

Between the operating, capital and mental health bills, the Administration has proposed to allocate nearly $3.5 billion to health and social service related items. With all of the needs that Alaska's CHCs face to operate their clinics and provide access to primary care services to over 81,000 Alaskans, the APCA and CHC advocates will reiterate their importance to the Legislature and request a fair and appropriate allocation from the state.

[Source: Alaska Primary Care Association's Legislative Update, January 1, 2010]

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Bill Watch

The following is a list of all health-related bills recently proposed or sitting in various legislative committees. The list below includes previous bills from 2009, those that remained in committees when the first session ended. The list also includes the new bills that were recently introduced, during the first and second prefile release, prior to the start of the second session earlier this week. Bill information is current as of January 21 at Noon.
 
Drugs
 
HB 17 Prohibit Tobacco Use Until Age 21
Sponsor: Rep. Crawford
Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) L&C, then (H) FIN, 01/20/09

Description: This bill requests to change the legal age from 19 to 21 for the purchase, sale, exchange, and possession of tobacco. Specifically, it requests that any statute listing the legal age as 19 for the above activities be amended to the age of 21.
 
HB 277 Certify Emergency Use of Epinephrine
Sponsor: Rep. Peggy Wilson
Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (H) HSS, 01/19/10

Description: This bill proposes the addition of a state program in the Department of Health and Social Services that would provide prescriptions to eligible individuals for emergency use of epinephrine.
 
HB 283 Purchase/Consumption of Alcohol
Sponsor: Rep. Crawford
Committee(s) and date of last action: Scheduled to be heard in (H) L&C, Barnes 124, Juneau, 01/27/10, 3:15 PM

Description: This bill amends a previous statute concerning the legalities of purchasing, soliciting, or drinking alcohol among underage individuals and those with alcohol-related felonies. Specifically, it clarifies the conditions under which a person would be committing an alcohol-related crime.
 
HB 284 Pioneer Home Rx Drug Benefit
Sponsor: Rep. Gara
Committee(s) and date of last action: Prefile released 01/15/10

Description: This bill proposes a law requiring the Department of Health and Social Services to accept federal prescription drug benefits or to provide comparable benefits for residents of the Alaska Pioneers' Home.
 
SB 52 Salvia Divinorum As a Controlled Substance
Sponsor: Sen. Therriault
Committee(s) and date of last action: 03/18/09 (S) Referred to Finance

Description: Salvia divinorum and Salvinorin A are compounds of a plant used for medicinal purposes and with hallucinogenic properties. There has been an increase in its use, and has the potential for misuse and abuse. This bill requests that it be listed as a controlled substance.
 
SB 197 Emergency Contraceptives
Sponsor: Sen. Dyson
Committee(s) and date of last action: Prefile released 01/08/10

Description: This bill proposes to allow pharmacists in Alaska the "right to refuse to refer, recommend, or dispense emergency contraceptives." In addition, it would provide immunity for pharmacists from any civil liability resulting from such a refusal.
 
SB 215 Pioneer Home Rx Drug Benefit
Sponsors: Senators Wielechowski, Olson, Kookesh, Ellis, and Davis
Committee(s) and date of last action: Prefile released 01/15/10

Description: This is the Senate companion bill to HB 284.
 
Health Professional Workforce and Health Education
 
HB 28 Clinical Laboratory Science Professionals
Sponsor: Rep. Crawford
Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) L&C, then (H) FIN, 01/20/09

Description: This bill outlines the definitions related to "clinical laboratory scientist," including the allowable duties of a phlebotomist under the supervision of certain medical professionals, and the criteria for licensure and removal of license for laboratory scientists. It also establishes the composition and duties of a volunteer advisory board for clinical laboratory science professionals, to be effective October 1, 2009.
 
HB 50 Limit Overtime for Registered Nurses
Sponsors: Representatives Wilson, Gara, Tuck, Petersen, Lynn, Seaton, Gatto, Cissna, Munoz, Gardner, Ramras
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) FIN, 04/15/09

Description: This bill cites the frequent overtime work schedules among nursing professionals as contributors to employee turnover and inadequate health care. It requests that a previous statute be amended to include limitations related to overtime among nursing schedules. These limitations include that no nursing professional is to work more than 80 hours during a 14-day period, and that time between each shift should be no less than 10 hours. Other amendments incorporate the availability of an anonymous complaint system in the workplace of nurses, and mandatory adoption of these provisions by all entities employing nursing professionals.
 
HB 51 Limit Overtime for Registered Nurses
Sponsor: Rep. Gardner
Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) HSS, then to (H) FIN, 01/20/09

Description: This bill is identical to HB 50.
 
HB 58 Educ Loan Repayment Program
Sponsors: Representatives Thomas, Wilson, Millett, Harris
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) FIN, 04/01/09

Description: This bill requests that general funds be set aside for incentive use to recruit individuals in occupations facing a shortage. Dentists and licensed practical nurses are among the occupations listed that would have access to these funds and incentive programs. Allocation of these funds is grouped by geographical location, with more funding available to professionals who are employed in rural areas of the state. A minimum of one year of employment is required for eligibility, and the amount of funding increases incrementally with the number of years of employment.
 
HB 110 Psychologists' Licensing & Practice
Sponsor: Rep. Herron, by request of the Alaska Psychological Association
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) HSS, 05/04/09

Description: The sponsor states that "Under current law, AS 08.86.180(b) [see section 2] exempts from licensure employees of a "governmental unit, educational institution or private agency" who may practice some aspect of the psychology profession as a condition of employment. Both the Association and the Board of Psychologist and Psychological Examiners believe this is too broad of an exemption. HB 110 would restrict the exemption to school district personnel under appropriate supervision of onsite activities and federal employees. Other changes in the bill are removal of a time limit for licensure reexamination, and the expansion of the definition of the practice of psychology to include unpaid services."
 
HB 223 Training for Psychiatric Treatment Staff
Sponsor: Dept. of Health and Social Services
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) HSS, 04/08/09
Description: This bill proposes detailed specifications for the educational and experiential requirements for caregivers in a psychiatric treatment setting, as well as the educational experience required by supervisors of psychiatric treatment staff.
 
HB 235 Prof Student Exchange Loan Forgiveness
Sponsors: Rep. Munoz
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) EDC, 01/22/10, 8:00 AM

Description: This bill provides loans and interest forgiveness for those loans to no fewer than five individuals seeking professional degrees in dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy. It also requires that eligible recipients be state residents, and increased incentives are provided to those who deliver post-graduate services in areas of need.
 
HB 282 Naturopaths
Sponsor: Rep. Munoz
Committee(s) and date of last action: Prefile released 01/15/10

Description: This bill is "An Act relating to naturopaths and to the practice of naturopathy; establishing an Alaska Naturopathic Medical Board; authorizing medical assistance program coverage of naturopathic services; amending the definition of 'practice of medicine'; and providing for an effective date."
 
SB 8 Psychologist's Licensing and Practice
Sponsor: Sen. Hoffman
Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) EDC, then (S) L&C, 01/20/09

Description: This bill proposes an amendment to a previous statute regarding the ability of a psychological professional to take a psychological associate examination for licensure. Specifically, it adds that an individual is ineligible for examination if they failed an exam within the last six months and that this amendment is not applicable to a psychologist employed in a school district or a psychologist employed by the U.S. government while in the discharge of that employee's service.
 
SB 12 Limit Overtime for Registered Nurses
Sponsor: Sen. Davis
Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) FIN, 04/15/09

Description: Identical to HB 50, this bill cites the frequent overtime work schedules among nursing professionals as contributors to employee turnover and inadequate health care. It requests that a previous statute be amended to include limitations related to overtime among nursing schedules. These limitations include that no nursing professional is to work more than 80 hours during a 14-day period, and that time between each shift should be no less than 10 hours. Other amendments incorporate the availability of an anonymous complaint system in the workplace of nurses, and mandatory adoption of these provisions by all entities employing nursing professionals.
 
SB 18 Postsecondary Medical and Other Educ
Sponsors: Senators Wielecheowski, Thomas, Ellis
Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) FIN, 03/16/09

Description: This bill proposes to raise the number of new students enrolled in medical education through the WWAMI program from 20 to 24 by 2010, and from 24 to 30 by 2012.
 
SB 70 Naturopaths
Sponsor: Sen. Davis
Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) L&C, (S) FIN, 04/01/09

Description: "An Act relating to naturopaths and to the practice of naturopathy; establishing an Alaska Naturopathic Medical Board; authorizing medical assistance program coverage of naturopathic services; and providing for an effective date."
 
SB 139 Incentives for Certain Medical Providers
Sponsors: Senators Olson, Wielechowski, Meyer, Davis
Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) FIN, 04/07/09

Description: "An Act establishing a loan repayment program and employment incentive program for certain health care professionals employed in the state; and providing for an effective date."
 
Medical Assistance and Health Insurance
 
HB 30 Repeal Defined Contribution Plans
Sponsors: Representatives Harris, Hawker, and Munoz
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) L&C, 01/20/09

Description: This is the companion bill to SB 23, and is "An Act repealing the defined contribution retirement plans for teachers and for public employees; providing a defined benefit retirement plan for teachers and public employees; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." From the sponsor: "By providing a retirement plan which is totally portable (such as a 401[k] or 457 plan), we risk employees leaving their positions for other opportunities. The result will be higher employee turnover, less loyalty from the employees, fewer experienced employees and educators, and a more transitory workforce. Per dollar of benefits paid, a defined contribution plan is more expensive than a defined benefit plan."
 
HB 61 Medical Assistance Coverage
Sponsors: Representatives Cissna and Gruenberg
Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) HSS, then to (H) FIN, 01/20/09

Description: This bill requests many changes to medical assistance eligibility for Alaskans. Among the changes are 1) disabled persons: increasing the eligibility for those in a family whose income does not exceed 250% of the official poverty level for Alaska; 2) individuals under the age of 19: increasing the family income eligibility from 175% to 200% of the federal poverty level for Alaska; 3) pregnant women: increasing the family income eligibility from 175% to 200% of the federal poverty level for Alaska.
 
HB 62 Medical Assistance Eligibility/Premiums
Sponsors: Rep. Hawker
Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) HSS, then to (H) FIN, 01/20/09

Description: This bill, also known as the "Denali Kid Care Accountability Act," amends a previous Alaska Statute on medical assistance eligibility requirements. Specifically, it adds sections requiring recipients of medical assistance in families whose income is between 175 and 250 of the federal poverty level to pay premiums, on a sliding scale, for medical assistance. The Department of Health and Human Services is required to set the premium at no less than 2% of the recipient's income, and establish a system of collecting premiums from recipients. This bill requests that these changes go into effect following the approved revisions and funding to make these changes.
 
HB 87 Med Benefits of Disabled Peace Officers
Sponsors: Representatives Millett, Dahlstrom, Gardner, Gara, Kerttula, Kawasaki
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) L&C, 01/26/09

Description: This bill proposes waiving payment of premiums for major medical insurance for disabled peace officers who have at least 20 years of credited service as peace officers of the public.
 
HB 118 Medical Assistance Eligibility
Sponsor: Rep. Gara
Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (H) HSS, then to (H) FIN, 02/25/09

Description: "An Act expanding, and relating to advertising about, medical assistance coverage for eligible children and pregnant women; relating to the poverty guideline and cost sharing for certain recipients of medical assistance; having the short title of the 'No Child Left Uninsured Act'; and providing for an effective date."
 
HB 187 Ins. Coverage: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sponsor: Rep. Petersen
Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) HSS, 03/12/09

Description: "An Act requiring insurance coverage for autism spectrum disorders, describing the method for establishing a treatment plan for those disorders, and defining the treatment required for those disorders; and providing for an effective date."

HB 259 Adult Public Assistance Eligibility

Sponsor: Rep. Keller

Committee(s) and date of last action: Prefile released, 01/08/10


Description: This bill is described as "an act relating to citizenship requirements and an alcohol impairment and drug testing program for applicants for and recipients of adult public assistance.

 

HB 260 Medicaid: Preventive Care/Disease Mgt.

Sponsor: Rep. Keller

Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (H) HSS, 01/19/10, then (H) FIN


Description: This bill adds an additional section to an established Alaska Statute on medical assistance services, and proposes that the following preventive care and disease management services be added to home waivers for eligible recipients: medication management; coordination with a primary care provider; use of evidence-based practice guidelines; patient education; provider collaboration; routine health and outcome assessments; and other preventive and disease management services identified by the department in regulation.

 

HB 265 Medicaid Coverage for Dentures

Sponsors: Representatives Gardner, Petersen, and Gara

Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (H) HSS, 01/19/10, then (H) FIN


Description: This bill amends an existing medical assistance eligibility statute, stating that if a Medicaid recipient receives approval for partial or complete dentures, the amount awarded for payment should not exceed $1,150 for each recipient in a fiscal year. In addition, no additional restorative benefits would be given during a two-year period following the approval of payment for dentures.

 

SB 199 Medicaid Coverage for Dentures

Sponsor: Sen. Ellis

Committee(s) and date of last action: Scheduled to be heard in (S) HSS, Butrovich 205, Juneau, 01/25/10, 1:30 PM.


Description: This is the Senate companion bill, and is identical, to HB 265.

 

HB 270 Medicaid for Medical and Intermediate Care

Sponsor: Rep. Munoz

Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (H) HSS, 01/19/10, then (H) FIN


Description: This bill proposes to amend the eligibility requirements for a selected group of individuals who are not eligible for other types of medical assistance. Specifically, it raises the income eligibility threshold to 300 percent of the federal poverty level for individuals receiving care in a medical or intermediate care facility.

 

HB 286 Medicaid for Medical and Intermediate Care

Sponsor: Representatives Gara and Gruenberg

Committee(s) and date of last action: Prefile released 01/15/10


Description: Amending the eligibility threshold for medical assistance for persons in a medical or intermediate care facility.

 

HJR 35 Const Am: Health Care

Sponsor: Representatives Kelly, Keller, Peggy Wilson, and Gatto

Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (H) HSS, 01/19/10, then (H) JUD, then (H) FIN


Description: This resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Alaska, that would prohibit the interference of any laws with an individual's right to purchase health care insurance from a privately owned company. Also, it would prevent the passage of laws that "compel a person to participate in a health care system."

 

HCR 9 Home Health Aides for Seniors

Sponsors: Representatives Cissna and Gruenberg

Committee(s) and date of last action: Introduced and referred to (H) HSS, then to (H) FIN, 02/25/09


Description: This bill promotes the expansion of home health services to older Alaskans and adults with disabilities by requesting that the governor direct the Department of Health and Social Services to apply to the federal government for additional waivers under the home and community-based waiver program to better serve older Alaskans and adults with disabilities through a federally reimbursable service either as a separate service or as a service that may be combined with other waivers.

 

SB 10 Medicaid/Ins for Cancer Clinical Trials

Sponsor: Sen. Davis

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) RLS, 04/16/09


Description: This bill requests that a health insurance company be required to provide coverage for any medical expenses incurred during the course of participation in an approved clinical trial.

 

SB 11 Dependent Health Insurance; Age Limit

Sponsor: Sen. Davis

Committee(s) and date of last action: 03/20/09 Referred to (S) L&C, then (S) FIN


Description: This bill requests that among health insurance policies covering dependents of enrollees, the defined age for "dependent child" be raised from 23 to 26 years of age.

 

SB 13 Medical Assistance Eligibility

Sponsor: Sen. Davis

Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) HSS, then (H) FIN 04/07/09


Description: This bill requests that the family income eligibility requirements for medical assistance among children and pregnant women be raised from 175% to 200% of the federal poverty level, effective immediately.

 

SB 23 Repeal Defined Contrib Retirement Plans

Sponsor: Sen. Elton

Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) FIN, 03/25/09


Description: "An Act repealing the defined contribution retirement plans for teachers and for public employees; providing a defined benefit retirement plan for teachers and public employees; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." From the sponsor: SB 23 returns guaranteed pension and health care benefits to Alaska public employees. Analyses by actuaries and the state Division of Retirement and Benefits show that Alaska's defined benefit pension - paying a guaranteed monthly benefit plus health care - costs the same as the new defined contribution system but provides much better benefits. SB 23 repeals the laws putting public employees into risky individual savings account plans, and enrolls them in the least expensive pension plans, the current public employee tier III and teacher tier II.

 

SB 32 Medicaid: Home/Community Based Services

Sponsor: Sen. Ellis

Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) FIN, 04/14/09


Description: This bill requests an amendment to a previous statute outlining medical assistance among health facilities, adding medical assistance eligibility for home and community-based services.

 

SB 38 Pharmacy Benefits managers; Managed Care

Sponsor: Sen. Elton

Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) L&C, then (H) FIN, 04/06/09

Read and referred to (S) HSS, 01/21/09


Description: This bill proposes to change language in a previous statute, amending "managed care entity" to "health care insurer."

 

SB 61 Mandatory Universal Health Insurance

Sponsors: Senators French and Ellis

Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (S) L&C, then (S) FIN on 03/16/09


Description: This bill proposes the establishment of the Alaska Health Care Program (AKCP), a program given the task of ensuring that all Alaskans have access to affordable health care insurance covering all essential services. The AKCP will be monitored and managed by an Alaskan Health Care Board of 13 members, 12 of which are to be appointed by the governor. Similar to SB 160 (25th legislative session), this bill includes

  • A framework for personal choice: This bill facilitates a relationship between health insurance providers and individuals, and doesn't assume that a one size fits all solution will meet the health care needs of all Alaskans.
  • A unique voucher system: By pooling money from all stakeholders, a sliding scale voucher system will ensure that every Alaskan can take personal responsibility for acquiring health insurance coverage. The system will also make it easy for multiple entities to contribute towards a health plan for an individual.
  •  A health care clearinghouse: The clearinghouse will disseminate information about quality health care products, assisting Alaskans who are utilizing vouchers under the Alaska health care plan.
  • The Alaska health care fund: This fund will receive contributions from individuals, businesses and government to ensure that all interested parties contribute to the health of Alaskans

SB 65 Medicaid for Adult Dental Services

Sponsors: Senators Davis and Ellis

Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) HSS, 01/21/09

ment

Description: This bill is "An Act repealing the repeal of preventative and restorative adult dental services reimbursement under Medicaid; providing for an effective date by repealing the effective date of sec. 3, ch. 52, SLA 2006; and providing for an effective date."

 

SB 79 Med Benefits Disabled Peace Officers

Sponsors: Senators McGuire and Paskvan

Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) FIN, 03/05/09


Description: This bill proposes waiving payment of premiums for major medical insurance for disabled peace officers who have at least 20 years of credited service as peace officers of the public.

 

SB 82 Medicaid for Adult Dental Services

Sponsors: Rules by request of the governor

Committee(s) and date of last action: Referred to (S) HSS Finance, 02/04/09


Description: This bill is "An Act providing for an effective date by delaying the effective date of the change of coverage of adult dental services under Medicaid; and providing for an effective date."

 

SB 87 Medical Assistance Eligibility

Sponsor: Sen. Wielochowski

Committee(s) and date of last action: Heard and held in (S) FIN, 02/11/09


Description: This bill proposes an additional eligibility category for Medicaid services. Specifically, it adds children, pregnant women, and other specified individuals in families with incomes between 200% and 300% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, individuals in this income category would be required to pay a yearly premium for medical assistance. The premiums would be determined by a sliding scale based on annual income. The range for premiums would be set at no less than $240 per year and no more than $1200 per year.

 

SB 155 Medical Assist for Cognitive Disabilities

Sponsor: Sen. McGuire

Committee(s) and date of last action: 03/18/09 (S) Referred to (S) HSS, then to (S) FIN


Description: "The department shall establish in regulation a system for setting medical assistance reimbursement rates based on the functional level of care needed by an eligible recipient with a diagnosed cognitive disability, regardless of the recipient's need for medical or personal care support. The system must address eligible recipients' needs for appropriate assessment, rehabilitation, case management, ongoing support and respite or companion services, regardless of whether the services are provided in a health care facility or under a home and community-based waiver granted under 13 AS 47.07.045."

 

SB 178 Payments to Physicians: Medicare/Probono

Sponsor: Rep. Gara

Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) HSS, 03/12/09


Description: This bill proposes the following: "An Act providing for state incentive payments to physicians who provide qualified services to Medicare recipients and services to patients for which there is no charge to the patient; having the short title of the 'Doctors for Seniors Act'; and providing for an effective date." Thus, the bill proposes to create state incentive programs for physicians to increase the number of providers who will see new and existing Medicare patients, at no additional charge to the patient.


Mental Health

 

HB 52 Post-Trial Juror Counseling

Sponsor: Rep. Kerttula

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) JUD, then (H) FIN, 01/20/09


Description: This bill proposes to make available up to 10 hours of psychological counseling for any juror serving in a criminal trial where graphic images or content are presented.

 

SB 21 Mental Health Care Insurance Benefit

Sponsors: Senators Davis and Ellis

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then (S) L&C, then (S) FIN, 01/21/09


Description: This bill proposes to implement parity in the types of medical services covered under existing health insurance plans. Specifically, it proposes that health care insurance policies be prohibited from denying coverage or discriminating health care services related to mental health, alcoholism or substance abuse; that there be no difference in coverage between physical and mental health coverage; and that these changes take effect no later than July 1, 2009.

 

SB 66 Mental Health Patient Grievances

Sponsor: Sen. Davis

Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) HSS, 01/21/09


Description: This bill proposes new regulations related to patient grievances in a mental health setting. Specifically, it aims to streamline the grievance process so as to ensure that patients' rights are honored and are not deterred by the grievance filing process.


State Boards and Issues

 

HB 25 Health Reform Policy Commission

Sponsor: Rep. Hawker

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) HSS, then (H) FIN), 01/20/09


Description: This bill proposes that issues related to health care and health care policy be given high priority among government officials. Specifically, it proposes the addition of a new chapter in the Alaska Statute 18, establishing the Alaska Health Reform Policy Commission, outlining the composition and duties of that commission, to be effective immediately.

 

HB 75 Health Commission/Planning

Sponsors: Representatives Cissna and Gruenberg

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) HSS, then (H) FIN, 01/20/09


Description: This bill requests the establishment of the Alaska Health Commission, whose purpose is to provide policy recommendations ensuring quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care throughout the state. The commission is to have 15 members, of the following composition: one member from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, one member from the University of Alaska Health Education and Training Program, one member representing the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, one member from the Alaska Primary Care Association, one member from the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, one member from the health industry, one member from the Alaska Nurses Association, two health care consumer members/advocates, and six members of the Alaska legislature. This act is to take effect by July 1, 2009.

 

SB 35 Extend Suicide Prevention Council

Sponsors: Senators Davis, Ellis, and Therriault

Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) RLS, 04/11/09


Description: This bill amends a previous act to extend the termination of the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2013.

 

SB 40 Extend Suicide Prevention Council

Sponsor: Sen. Therriault

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then to (S) FIN, 01/21/09


Description: This bill is identical to SB 35.

 

SB 172 Alaska Health Care Commission

Sponsor: Sen. Olson

Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) HSS, 03/2709


Description: This bill establishes the Alaska Health Care Commission as a permanent entity.


Family Health Issues

 

HB 34 Partial-Birth Abortion

Sponsors: Representatives Coghill, Newman, Keller, and Dahlstrom

Committee(s) and date of last action: 01/20/09 Referred to (H) HSS, then to (H) JUD


Description: This bill proposes to amend the language in a previous statute, requesting that the definition of "partial-birth" abortion include terms indicating intention and deliberation, the presence of partial vaginal birth, and the knowledge that the birth will result in the death of a child.

 

HB 35 Notice and Consent for Minor's Abortion

Sponsors: Representatives Coghill, Newman, Keller, and Dahlstrom

Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) HSS, 04/03/09, then JUD, FIN


Description: This bill proposes several amendments to a previous statute regarding abortion among pregnant women under 17 years of age. These include the prohibition of a medical professional to perform an abortion without parental notification and consent, with the exception of an immediate and potentially lethal risk to the minor.

 

HB 176 Nursing Mothers in the Workplace

Sponsor: Rep. Cissna

Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) HSS, then (H) L&C, 03/09/09


Description: "An Act relating to break times for employees who nurse a child."

 

SB 5 Partial-Birth Abortion

Sponsors: Senators Dyson and Therriault

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then (S) JUD, 01/21/09


Description: This bill is identical to HB 34.

 

SB 6 Notice and Consent for a Minor's Abortion

Sponsors: Senators Dyson and Therriault

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then (S) JUD, 01/21/09


Description: This bill is identical to HB 35.

 

SB 15 Info, Anesthesia, Consent for an Abortion

Sponsor: Sen. Dyson

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then (S) JUD, 01/21/09


Description: This bill proposes that all pregnant women considering abortion should be given information regarding their options to reduce pain to an unborn fetus prior to the procedure, to take effect immediately.

 

SB 16 Definitions: Person/Child/Human/Etc

Sponsor: Sen. Dyson

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then (S) JUD, 01/21/09


Description: This bill requests to define the above terms to include a human born in any stage of fetal development; it is noted that this bill does not intend to extend the rights of human life to an unborn human.

 

SB 42 Nursing Mothers in Workplace

Sponsors: Senators Ellis and Wielechowski

Committee(s) and date of last action: 03/26/09 Heard and Held in (S) L&C at 1:30 PM Beltz 211, then to (S) HSS


Description: This bill proposes that an employer be required to provide "reasonable" unpaid break time for mothers who are nursing a child, and that a private room or area be made available for nursing mothers. This bill does not require that employers allow children of nursing mothers in the workplace.

 

SB 44 Safe Abandonment of Infants

Sponsor: Sen. Menard

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then (S) JUD, 01/21/09


Description: This bill requests an amendment to a previous statute, proposing that parents who safely surrender an infant 60 days or younger be exempt from prosecution or penalty.

 

SB 181 Ultrasounds Preceding Abortions

Sponsor: Sen. Dyson

Committee(s) and date of last action: (S) HSS, 04/06/09


Description: This bill proposes that Alaska follow several other states in requiring that a doctor perform an ultrasound on women considering an abortion. The sponsor states, "Senate Bill 181 is intended to bring Alaska into conformity by ensuring that a woman's consent to an elective abortion in our state is a better informed decision. The bill ensures that when an ultrasound is performed by the physician performing the abortion, that the ultrasound image be displayed such that it is visible by the woman, should she so choose to view the ultrasound. In so doing it shifts the burden of responsibility. No longer would the mother in crisis need to ask to see the ultrasound. Instead the physician would be required to display the ultrasound screen to her."


Worker's Compensation

 

SB 20 Worker's Comp Medical/Rehab Records

Sponsors: Senators French and Thomas

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) L&C, then (S) JUD, 01/21/09


Description: This bill proposes that any documents containing personal and confidential information of an employee that is receiving, or has received, worker's compensation, are kept in a confidential location away from the public's view.


General Health Policy

 

HB 71 Advance Health Care Directives Registry

Sponsors: Representatives Holmes, Dahlstrom, Millett, and Kawasaki

Committee(s) and date of last action: (H) JUD, 04/15/09


Description: This bill amends a previous statute by adding that a health care facility will not be subject to civil or criminal liability in the event that they act in reliance to an advance health care directive or fail to check an advance health care directive registry for a patient in their facility. In addition, HB 71 proposes the establishment of an advance health care directive registry within the Department of Health and Social Services, where individuals or their guardians can file advance health directives. This registry would be confidential and may not be used for another purpose.

 

HB 168 Trauma Care Centers/Fund

Sponsor: Rep. Coghill

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (H) HSS, then (H) FIN, 03/09/09


Description: "An Act relating to state certification and designation of trauma centers; creating the uncompensated trauma care fund to offset uncompensated trauma care provided at certified and designated trauma centers; and providing for an effective date."

 

SB 41 New Driver's/Permit: CPR/First Aid

Sponsor: Sen. Ellis by request of the Governor

Committee(s) and date of last action: Read and referred to (S) HSS, then to (S) STA, 01/20/09


Description: This bill requests that new applications for driver's permits or licenses only be issued to individuals who have completed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training in the one year prior to the application. This does not apply for individuals who have already obtained a driver's license or permit in Alaska or another state, and is to be effective January 1, 2010.

 

SB 49 Blood Donation Awareness Fund

Sponsor: Sen. McGuire

Committee(s) and date of last action: Moved to (S) FIN, 02/27/09


Description: This bill requests that the opportunity to donate $1 or more to the Blood Donation Fund be made available to all applicants for motor vehicle or identification documents. These donations would be place in the Blood Donation Awareness Fund, and would be used to promote blood donation activities throughout Alaska.

 

Bill Tracking Methodology

 

Bills listed here were selected based on a series of subjective criteria to determine whether they were "health-policy related." All bills currently sitting in the Senate and House Health and Social Services committees were examined, and any that obviously dealt with non-health-related education or social services issues were eliminated. Every other House and Senate committee was then examined for health-related bills, which were included in the final list.

 

After determining the full set of health-related bills still in committee or pre-filed for the new session, they were divided into several general categories. This was done to facilitate finding bills that dealt with certain key health policy issues and to make overall navigation of the list easier. The remaining bills were categorized as "general" health policy-related because of the wide range of subjects they covered.

 

The information listed for each bill includes the bill number, the short title, the primary sponsor or sponsors, the committee in which the last action on the bill took place, and the date on which the last action on the bill took place. A short summary of each bill is also included.

 

Abbreviations have been used for committee names. The committee names and their abbreviations are:

  • (H) HSS: House Health and Social Services Committee
  • (S) HSS: Senate Health and Social Services Committee
  • (H) L&C: House Labor & Commerce Committee
  • (S) L&C: Senate Labor & Commerce Committee
  • (H) EDC: House Education Committee
  • (S) EDC: Senate Education Committee
  • (H) FIN: House Finance Committee
  • (S) FIN: Senate Finance Committee
  • (H) JUD: House Judiciary Committee
  • (S) JUD: Senate Judiciary Committee
  • (H) STA: House State Affairs Committee
  • (S) STA: Senate State Affairs Committee  
  • (S) RLS: Senate Rules Committee
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Health Policy Calendar

This calendar of health policy-related meetings is current as of January 21 at 8AM. Please visit the Alaska State Legislature's list of committee hearings for the most current listings, as they are subject to change.
 
January 22, 2010 8:00 AM
What: House Education Standing Committee
Where: Capital 106; Juneau
Other Information: HB 235 Prof. Student Exchange Loan Forgiveness; Teleconferenced

Monday, January 25, 2010 1:30 PM
What: Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee
Where:Butrovich 205; Juneau
Other Information: SB 199 Medicaid Coverage for Dentures;Teleconferenced

Tuesday, January 26, 2010, 7:00-10:30 AM
What: Legislative Workshop: Solutions to get and keep health care professionals in Alaska
Where: Baranof Hotel, 9th Floor, Gastineau Room, Juneau
Other Information: This is a half-day workshop with several key speakers who are currently involved in advocacy for health care workforce legislation. The event will also be held in Anchorage on February 15, with more details to come. Access the event flyer.
 
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 8:00 AM
What: House Health and Social Services Finance Subcommittee
Where: House Finance 519; Juneau
Other Information: Program Review- Behavioral Health: Substance Abuse Prevention to Treatment; Success/Other, Performance-Based Grant Funding; Public Assistance: Families First Initiative
 
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 3:15 PM
What: House Labor and Commerce Standing Committee
Where: Barnes 124; Juneau
Other Information: HB 283 Purchase/Consumption of Alcohol; Teleconferenced
 
Thursday, January 28, 2010 10:30 AM
What: House Labor and Commerce Finance Subcommittee
Where: Capitol 106; Juneau
Other Information: Labor Standards and Safety; Workers' Compensation; ALRA; Teleconferenced
 
Friday, January 29, 2010 8:00 AM
What: House Health and Social Services Finance Subcommittee
Where: House Finance 519; Juneau
Other Information: Division of Health Care Services: Medicaid, Alaska Pioneer Homes

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AHPR Staff and Contributors

Lawrence D. Weiss, PhD, MS, Editor
Kelby Murphy, Senior Policy Analyst
Jacqueline Yeagle, Newsletter design and editing

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Subscribe Now to the Alaska Health Policy Review

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A standard 12-month subscription to Alaska Health Policy Review is available for $850. Please inquire about discount rates for multiple recipients in the same organization, legislators, and small nonprofit organizations.
 
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