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.