Legislature(2023 - 2024)BARNES 124
03/21/2023 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB61 | |
| HB17 | |
| HB84 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 84 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 17 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 61 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HB 17-CONTRACEPTIVES COVERAGE:INSURE;MED ASSIST
8:50:07 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 17, "An Act relating to insurance coverage for
contraceptives and related services; relating to medical
assistance coverage for contraceptives and related services; and
providing for an effective date." [Before the committee was
CSHB 17(HSS).]
8:50:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ASHLEY CARRICK, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, provided a recap of CSHB 17(HSS). She stated
that the proposed bill would change the relationship between
insurance companies and patients, as opposed to individuals and
providers. She stated that it would create a mandate for up to
12 months of prescription contraceptives to be dispensed at one
time. As providers can already issue 12-month prescriptions,
this would affect what happens at the counter with the
pharmacists. She added that the provider could still control
the amount of prescriptions.
8:51:27 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:51 a.m.
8:51:42 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK opened public testimony on HB 17.
8:52:03 AM
MORGAN LIM, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates (PPAA) Alaska,
testified in support of HB 17. He stated that he is testifying
on behalf of PPAA, which is in strong support of the proposed
legislation. He stated that the bill would give women more
control over the choice of having children, creating more career
and education opportunities. In regard to obtaining birth
control, he explained the difficulties for women who live or
work in remote areas. He cited studies which found that having
a longer supply of contraceptives would reduce unwanted
pregnancies and abortions. He explained how the bill would save
the state money.
8:55:11 AM
KC CASORT, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She reiterated what the bill would do. She shared a negative
experience she had while only on a month-long prescription for
contraceptives. She described the timeframe she had to refill
her prescription as a "narrow window." She stated that once she
had access to reliable birth control, she was able to complete
her degree without a "pregnancy scare."
8:57:28 AM
KATELYN SAFT, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She reiterated the difficulties in obtaining birth control
prescriptions for individuals who live off the road system.
8:58:58 AM
JAMIE GIBSON, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She stated that birth control "saved her life." She shared a
personal crisis concerning her reproductive health. She
discussed the benefits of having a year's supply of birth
control.
9:01:26 AM
ROSE TITUS, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She shared her struggle with endometriosis and stated this
medical condition is under control with the use of birth
control; however, obtaining this is difficult because her health
insurance will not cover more than a month's prescription at a
time. She noted the staffing shortages in pharmacies and how
this has created problems getting prescriptions filled.
9:04:00 AM
MIKE COONS, President, Concerned Conservatives of Alaska,
testified in opposition to HB 17. He stated that the bill does
nothing for the poor and if mandated, it will add to the cost of
insurance for all. He pointed out that in rural Alaska this
medication can be received via mail.
9:06:14 AM
CHARLES SEMLING, Pharmacy Manager, Alaska Medicaid, stated he is
not testifying but is available for questions.
9:06:45 AM
ROSE O'HARA-JOLLEY, representing self, testified in support of
HB 17. She shared her experience of working remote while in
perimenopause. She explained that medication relieved her
symptoms, but she could not get the time off [from a remote job]
to get the prescribed medication refilled after it ran out.
9:09:40 AM
PAMELA SAMASH, representing self, testified in opposition to HB
17. She explained that she lives remotely and does telehealth,
and she has prescriptions mailed to her. She expressed the
understanding that birth control pills "can be very dangerous,"
and she shared a personal reproductive health scare. She
advised that patients should see their doctors often.
9:12:25 AM
BROOK BEVERIDGE, representing self, testified in support of HB
17. She reiterated the issues that rural and Native communities
have in obtaining medications. She stated that she uses birth
control to stabilize hormonal imbalances.
9:14:05 AM
PAIGE HODSON, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She expressed the opinion that this is "common sense legislation
to remove barriers on contraceptive access." She stated that
unintended pregnancies can often have a devastating effect on
women and the communities. She referred to the legislation
passed in other states and how those states have seen a 30
percent drop in unintended pregnancies.
9:15:25 AM
ALEX KOPLIN, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
He stated that he has lived in Alaska for 45 years with four
daughters and one son. He commented that the bill is well-
rounded and well crafted. He discussed how this would help all
Alaskans.
9:17:25 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK, after ascertaining that there was no one else
who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 17.
9:18:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to report CSHB 17(HSS) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero
fiscal note.
9:18:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MEARS objected for the purpose of discussion.
She thanked everyone for testifying today and for sharing
personal medical history. She stated that she supports CSHB
17(HSS), and she removed her objection.
9:19:10 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK mirrored Representative Mears' comments and
spoke on behalf of rural individuals, as the proposed
legislation is significant for them.
CHAIR MCCORMICK, after ascertaining that there was no further
objection, announced that CSHB 17(HSS) was reported out of the
House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.