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."
8:50:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ASHLEY CARRICK, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, provided a re-cap on HB 17 before public
testimony began. The bill would change the relationship between
the insurance company and the patient, as opposed to the
individual and their provider. It is an extension to mandate up
to 12 months for prescription contraceptives to be dispensed at
one time.
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 Alaska,
testified in support of HB 17.
8:55:11 AM
KC CASORT, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
8:57:28 AM
KATELYN SAFT, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
8:58:58 AM
JAMIE GIBSON, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She stated birth control "saved her life."
9:01:26 AM
ROSE TITUS, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She stated she uses birth control to relieve her endometriosis.
9:04:00 AM
MIKE COONS, President of the Concerned Conservatives of Alaska,
testified in opposition to HB 17. He stated the bill does
nothing for the poor and if mandated will add to the cost of
insurance.
9:06:14 AM
CHARLES SEMLING, Pharmacy Manager, Alaska Medicaid, stated he is
not testifying but is available for questions.
9:06:28 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK confirmed there are no questions for Mr. Semling
at this time and will continue with online testimony.
9:06:45 AM
ROSE O'HARA-JOLLEY, representing self, testified in support of
HB 17. She stated she experienced perimenopause and 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. Stated birth control pills "can be very dangerous," and
patients should see their doctors often.
9:12:25 AM
BROOK BEVERIDGE, representing self, testified in support of HB
17. Stated she uses birth control to stabilize hormonal
imbalances.
9:14:05 AM
PAIGE HODSON, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
9:15:25 AM
ALEX KOPLIN, representing self, testified in support of HB 17.
She commented that the bill is well-rounded and well crafted.
9:17:25 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK closed public testimony on HB 17.
9:17:35 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK stated there were no amendments received for HB
17. He entertained a motion to move HB 17 from committee.
9:18:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to report HB 17 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal
notes.
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 HB 17,
and she removed her objection.
9:19:10 AM
CHAIR MCCORMICK mirrored Representative Mears' comments and
spoke on behalf of rural individuals that it means a lot to
these communities.
CHAIR MCCORMICK announced there being no further objection, HB
17 was reported out of the House Community and Regional Affairs
Standing Committee.