Legislature(2019 - 2020)
2019-04-15 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2019-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0826 SB 112 SENATE BILL NO. 112 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to medical assistance for needy persons; relating to material incorporated by reference; relating to payment for prescribed drugs; 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 Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Fiscal Note No. 2, zero, Department of Corrections 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 Governor's transmittal letter dated April 12: Dear President Giessel: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill regarding medical assistance for eligible persons. First, the bill would make changes to state coverage under the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion to provide more cost effective and efficient means to provide medical assistance to eligible persons, either through third party payer coverage or through a state- paid medical assistance program. Second, the bill would broaden the department’s authorization to seek certain federal waivers without going through an extensive legislative or regulatory process. Third, the bill would provide authority for the Department of Health and Social Services to implement cost containment measures regarding provider 2019-04-15 Senate Journal Page 0827 rates, including by emergency regulation. Importantly, the bill would allow the department to develop preferred drug lists to control costs and make medical treatment and access to needed medications more streamlined. Last, the bill would direct the Department of Health and Social Services to apply for required federal waivers in order to provide coverage for those traditionally covered by medical assistance programs through the individual health insurance market or exchange. Together, these tools will improve our state’s ability to provide medical assistance to eligible persons. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Michael J. Dunleavy Governor