This bill mandates that health care insurers in Alaska provide coverage for the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome. The coverage must align with the current standard of care, including treatments such as antimicrobials, behavioral therapies, and immunomodulating medicines. Insurers are prohibited from denying or delaying coverage based on previous treatments or diagnoses, and they cannot impose restrictions that are inconsistent with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines. Additionally, the bill ensures that coverage for these disorders is not more restrictive than for other illnesses and allows insurers to request treatment notes and other information to determine medical necessity.

Furthermore, the bill amends the state’s medical assistance program to include treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders as an optional service. It requires the Department of Health to seek federal approval for these changes to the state plan for medical assistance. The implementation of this section is conditional upon federal approval by January 1, 2027, and the bill specifies that it will take effect on the day after such approval is granted or determined unnecessary. If federal approval is not obtained, the provisions will not take effect, but the bill will still become effective on January 1, 2027, for other sections.

Statutes affected:
HB0292A, AM HB 292, introduced 02/04/2026:
HB0292B, AM CSHB 292(HSS), introduced 03/18/2026: 47.07.030, 47.07.063, 21.42.375, 21.42.450
HB0292C, AM CSHB 292(L&C), introduced 04/24/2026: 47.07.030, 47.07.063, 21.42.375, 21.42.450