The bill amends existing laws concerning prior authorization requests for medical care covered by health care insurers in Alaska, establishing a streamlined process that requires insurers to create a reasonable and efficient system to reduce administrative burdens on providers. Insurers must respond to standard requests within 72 hours and expedited requests within 24 hours, with any inadequately addressed requests automatically deemed approved after the specified time. The legislation also mandates transparency by requiring insurers to publish their prior authorization criteria and processes on their websites.

Additionally, the bill addresses step therapy protocols, particularly for patients with Stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer, prohibiting insurers from enforcing step therapy for FDA-approved drugs. It allows health care providers to request exceptions to these protocols and outlines the conditions for granting such exceptions. The bill includes annual reporting requirements for insurers to ensure compliance and establishes penalties for noncompliance, including potential suspension or revocation of the insurer's operating authority. A new definition for "utilization review organization" is introduced, clarifying its role as distinct from that of health care insurers. The provisions will take effect immediately for certain sections, while the overall Act is set to become effective on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
SB0133A, AM SB 133, introduced 03/17/2025: 21.07.080, 21.07.005, 21.07.090, 21.07.100, 21.07.180, 21.07.110, 21.07.120, 21.07.130, 21.07.140, 21.07.150, 21.07.160, 21.07.170, 21.06.120, 21.06.230, 21.07.250
SB0133B, AM CSSB 133(L&C), introduced 04/04/2025: 21.07.080, 21.07.005, 21.07.090, 21.07.100, 21.07.180, 21.07.110, 21.07.120, 21.07.130, 21.07.140, 21.07.150, 21.07.160, 21.07.170, 21.06.120, 21.06.230, 21.07.250
SB0133Z, AM Enrolled SB 133, introduced 05/18/2025: 21.07.080, 21.07.005, 21.07.090, 21.07.100, 21.07.180, 21.07.110, 21.07.120, 21.07.130, 21.07.140, 21.07.150, 21.07.160, 21.07.170, 21.06.120, 21.06.230, 21.07.250