This bill amends existing laws regarding municipal and state group health insurance plans, including self-insured plans and the management of pharmacy benefits. It introduces a new section, AS 29.20.420, which mandates that municipalities offering group health care insurance plans for employees, including self-insured options, must comply with specific provisions outlined in AS 21.27.901 - 21.27.975 and AS 21.36.520. The bill clarifies that this requirement applies to both home rule and general law municipalities, while exempting plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

Additionally, the bill modifies AS 39.30.090 to include new provisions for group health insurance policies covering employees of participating governmental units, ensuring they also adhere to the same regulations regarding pharmacy benefits management. The Department of Administration is authorized to provide self-insurance for state employees and their dependents, with the same compliance requirements for self-insured plans as for traditional group health insurance policies. The effective date for this legislation is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0142A, AM SB 142, introduced 03/24/2025: 29.10.200, 29.20.420, 21.27.901, 21.27.975, 21.36.520, U.S.C, 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