This bill amends existing laws to ensure that health care insurers in Alaska are required to reimburse health care providers for services delivered via telehealth at the same rate as in-person services. Specifically, a new section, AS 21.42.450, is added to mandate this reimbursement parity. Additionally, the bill defines "telehealth" by referencing AS 47.05.270(e) and includes provisions that apply to municipal health care insurance plans, ensuring they also comply with the telehealth reimbursement requirements.

Further amendments include the introduction of a requirement for group health insurance policies covering employees of participating governmental units to meet the same telehealth reimbursement standards. The bill also establishes that self-insured group health insurance plans for active state employees must adhere to these requirements. The legislation repeals a previous section, AS 21.42.422(b)(2), and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB0083A, AM SB 83, introduced 01/31/2025: 21.07.250, 21.42.599, 47.05.270, 29.10.200, 29.20.420, 21.42.450, 21.54.500, 39.30.090, 14.25.168, 14.25.480, 22.25.090, 39.35.535, 39.35.880, 39.37.145, 23.15.136, 39.30.091, 21.86.310, 14.25.110, 23.15.010, 23.15.210