Bill > SB122

This bill establishes comprehensive standards for health insurance provider networks in Alaska, requiring insurers to include a significant percentage of medical professionals and facilities in each of six designated geographic regions. The bill mandates that health care insurers include all state-licensed hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, mental health and substance abuse facilities, and tribal health organizations in their networks, along with the healthcare providers employed by these entities. For each region, insurers must include a high percentage (ranging from 70% to 80%) of actively practicing physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses in each medical specialty, based on Medicare Advantage network adequacy requirements. The bill allows insurers to request exceptions to these network standards from the state director of insurance, with exceptions limited to 36 months and requiring a plan to achieve compliance. Insurers must annually attest to meeting these network standards, provide supporting documentation during rate filings, and submit corrective action plans if they fail to meet the requirements. The new network standards will take effect on January 1, 2026, with the goal of ensuring broader and more comprehensive healthcare provider access across different regions of Alaska.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB122