Legislature(2015 - 2016)
2015-03-18 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2015-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0516 SB 78 SENATE BILL NO. 78 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance reform measures; relating to eligibility for medical assistance coverage; relating to medical assistance cost containment measures by the Department of Health and Social Services; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health and Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 4, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 5, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 6, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 7, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 8, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 9, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 10, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 11, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 12, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 13, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 14, Department of Health and Social Services Fiscal Note No. 15, Department of Corrections Fiscal Note No. 16, Department of Administration Governor's transmittal letter dated March 17: Dear President Meyer: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to eligibility for medical assistance. 2015-03-18 Senate Journal Page 0517 The bill would make technical amendments to AS 47.07.020 related to Medicaid eligibility and would authorize Medicaid expansion as permitted under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The bill also would provide express authority for the Department of Health and Social Services to engage in various Medicaid cost containment and reform measures, including expanding the use of waivers, using demonstration projects to engage in innovative practices, and expanding telemedicine capability and reimbursement to incentivize innovative service delivery models. Finally, the bill would amend a number of existing statutes that are designed to assist the Department of Health and Social Services in its oversight of Medicaid providers. Medicaid expansion and Medicaid reform are in the best interest of the state, and I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor