Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
03/30/2016 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB113 | |
| SB156 | |
| SB179 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 113 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 156 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 179 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 156-INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CONTRACEPTIVES
1:36:26 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN announced the consideration of SB 156.
1:36:56 PM
SENATOR ELLIS moved to adopt CSSB 156, labeled 29-LS1144\N.
CHAIR STEDMAN objected for discussion.
1:37:13 PM
SENATOR BERTA GARDNER, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SB
156.
KATIE BRUGGEMAN, Staff, Senator Berta Gardner, Alaska State
Legislature, presented changes made in version N of SB 156,
noting there were several errors in the previous version. The
wording "over the counter contraception" was removed throughout
the bill, which resulted in the removal of a fiscal note for
$1.3 million from Department of Health and Social Services
(DHSS).
1:38:19 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN removed his objection.
1:38:33 PM
MS. BRUGGEMAN explained that the bill is an insurance mandate
that would offer the option of providing 12 months of self-
administered hormonal contraception. It would allow Alaskan
women the opportunity to receive a larger supply of
contraceptives should their life-style require it. It is an
option for women.
She pointed out that there is currently a negative fiscal note
from DHSS of $1.2 million in FY 17. It is a federal savings of
$1 million and $230,000 in GF savings via the Medicaid program.
She explained that there are many reasons women use hormonal
contraceptives, not just to prevent pregnancy. She concluded
that the bill is great policy for Alaska because it helps women
achieve their education and career goals through strategic
family planning and is a positive economic step for families. It
fosters a woman's right to privacy and aids in convenience.
1:41:04 PM
SENATOR GARDNER noted this is not a new insurance coverage
benefit. It provides that after a three-month period for the
first dispensing, if a doctor deems it satisfactory to continue,
a women can request a 12-month supply of contraceptives, if they
choose. They would have to pay insurance co-pays, but may save
money by buying in bulk.
1:41:49 PM
SENATOR ELLIS moved to report CSSB 156(HSS), labeled 29-
LS1144\N, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note. There being no objection, the motion
carried.