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 mandates that health care insurers provide comprehensive price comparison tools for individuals to assess their cost-sharing responsibilities for specific health care services. Additionally, the bill introduces a monetary incentive program that encourages covered individuals to choose lower-cost health care providers, offering them a percentage of the savings realized by the insurer when they opt for services priced below the median contracted rate. The bill outlines specific incentive percentages for both group and individual market policies, ensuring that covered persons receive a fair share of the savings.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding insurance rebates, clarifying that incentive payments made under this new program do not violate current regulations. It also establishes reporting requirements for insurers to track the effectiveness of the incentive program and mandates that these programs be made available to policyholders during enrollment or renewal periods. The bill includes provisions for the adoption of necessary regulations by the director of the division of insurance to facilitate its implementation, with an effective date set for January 1, 2026, while allowing for immediate regulatory actions.

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