This bill amends Alaska's insurance laws to mandate coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices by health care insurers. Specifically, it requires that such coverage be at least equal to the standards set forth in federal law (42 U.S.C. 1395k - 1395m) and includes all devices deemed necessary by a healthcare provider for the covered person's daily activities and health. The bill also stipulates that insurers must cover repairs or replacements of these devices without imposing restrictions based on their useful lifetime, provided that a healthcare provider determines such actions are necessary due to changes in the covered person's condition or the device's functionality. Additionally, insurers are required to include at least two distinct providers of prosthetics and orthotics in their networks and cannot impose more restrictive cost-sharing requirements for these services compared to other medical services.

Furthermore, the bill amends the state's medical assistance program to include coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices, as specified in the new section added to AS 47.07.030(b). It establishes a reporting requirement for insurers to submit claims data related to these services and outlines the conditions under which the new provisions will take effect, including the need for federal approval of amendments to the state plan for medical assistance. The effective date for the new coverage requirements is set for January 1, 2027, contingent upon the necessary federal approvals.

Statutes affected:
HB0272A, AM HB 272, introduced 01/23/2026: 47.07.030, 47.07.063, 21.42.375, 21.42.445
HB0272B, AM CSHB 272(HSS), introduced 04/08/2026: 47.07.030, 47.07.063, 21.42.375, 21.42.445