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.