The proposed bill, titled the "Alaska Health Care Consumer's Right to Shop Act," aims to establish a health care insurance policy incentive program in Alaska. It amends existing laws to require health care insurers to provide comprehensive price comparison tools for consumers, enabling them to compare costs for specific health care services across different providers. Additionally, the bill introduces a monetary incentive program that encourages covered individuals to choose lower-cost providers by offering them a percentage of the savings realized by the insurer. The bill specifies that these incentives will vary based on whether the coverage is through a group or individual policy, with minimum percentages set for the savings shared with the insured.

Key amendments include the insertion of provisions that require health care insurers to develop and implement the incentive program, as well as to file descriptions of these programs with the director of the division of insurance. The bill also outlines reporting requirements for insurers regarding the use and effectiveness of the incentive program. Furthermore, it clarifies that the incentive payments will not violate existing laws regarding rebates and will not be considered administrative expenses for rate development. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with certain regulations becoming effective immediately.

Statutes affected:
SB0004A, AM SB 4, introduced 01/10/2025: 21.06.110, 21.39.120, 21.36.495, 21.96.070, 21.96.260, 21.36.100, 21.96.220, 21.96.230, 21.96.240, 21.96.210, 21.96.300, 21.96.250, 21.96.270, 21.54.160, 21.12.050, 21.54.500, 18.23.400, 21.97.900, 29.10.200, 29.35.142, 39.30.090, 39.30.091
SB0004B, AM CSSB 4(L&C), introduced 04/11/2025: 21.36.100, 21.96.220, 21.96.230, 21.96.240, 21.96.210, 21.96.300, 21.96.250, 21.96.260, 21.96.270, 21.54.160, 21.12.050, 21.54.500, 18.23.400, 21.97.900