2024-02-20                     House Journal                      Page 1551
HB 344                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 344 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
    "An Act relating to medical assistance demonstration projects                                                               
    established by the Department of Health."                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Health & Social Services                                                            
Committee.                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Zero, Dept. of Health                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 16 follows:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Tilton:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to medical assistance                                                           
demonstration projects established by the Department of Health                                                                  
(DOH).                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
This bill would allow DOH to apply for a Section 1115 waiver under                                                              
42 U.S.C. 1315(a) to establish one or more demonstration projects                                                               
focused on addressing health-related needs and supportive services for                                                          
Alaskans. The bill defines "health-related needs" to include social or                                                          
economic conditions that contribute to an individual's poor health                                                              
outcomes, such as nutrition and food security, workforce development,                                                           
transportation, temporary housing, and case management. The goal of                                                             

2024-02-20                     House Journal                      Page 1552
the bill is to expand Medicaid payment eligibility in a manner that                                                             
creates a bridge to independence for Alaskans in need by authorizing                                                            
time-limited support services, preventing negative health outcomes,                                                             
and avoiding unnecessary health care costs, thereby building the care                                                           
economy in Alaska.                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"