This bill aims to enhance parity in mental health and substance use disorder coverage within Alaska's medical assistance program by aligning state regulations with federal standards outlined in 26 U.S.C. 9812, 29 U.S.C. 1185a, and 42 U.S.C. 300gg-26. It introduces new requirements for the Department of Health, including the evaluation of consumer and provider complaints regarding coverage, conducting compliance examinations on nonquantitative treatment limitations, and performing comparative analyses of benefit designs. Additionally, the bill mandates the submission of an annual report detailing the processes for determining medical necessity criteria and analyzing treatment limitations for mental health and substance use disorder benefits compared to medical and surgical benefits.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Department of Health must submit necessary amendments to the state Medicaid plan to comply with federal requirements and outlines a conditional effect for the implementation of the new provisions, which will only take effect upon approval from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The commissioner of health is also required to prepare a report by March 1, 2026, summarizing compliance efforts and market examinations related to parity in mental health and substance use disorder benefits.

Statutes affected:
SB0045A, AM SB 45, introduced 01/17/2025: 47.07.030, 47.07.076, 47.07.040, U.S.C