The proposed bill establishes new minimum standards for health insurance provider networks in Alaska. It mandates that health care insurers consider specific network requirements when determining benefits for policies that require or incentivize the use of limited networks. Insurers must include all licensed hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, mental health and substance abuse facilities, and their associated medical professionals in their networks. Additionally, the bill outlines that insurers must maintain a sufficient number of licensed medical professionals in each of the six designated contracting regions to meet specified percentage thresholds for network adequacy.

Furthermore, the bill allows health care insurers to request exceptions to these minimum standards, subject to approval by the director, who will also set regulations for the process. Insurers are required to annually attest to their compliance with the standards and provide documentation to support their claims. The bill repeals a previous section of law and is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0122A, AM SB 122, introduced 03/05/2025:
SB0122B, AM CSSB 122(HSS), introduced 04/07/2025: