HB 350 - INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR CONTRACEPTIVES                                 
                                                                               
Number 1842                                                                    
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG announced the last order of business would be HB             
350, "An Act requiring that the cost of contraceptives and related             
health care services be included in health insurance coverage,"                
sponsored by Representative Croft.                                             
                                                                               
TOM ATKINSON, Researcher to Representative Eric Croft, Alaska State            
Legislature, came before the committee to explain the bill on                  
behalf of Representative Croft.  He said the bill is a mandate that            
would require insurance to cover contraceptives for employees.                 
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG questioned wether it includes all contraceptives.            
                                                                               
MR. ATKINSON indicated it covers all types of contraceptives.                  
                                                                               
Number 1958                                                                    
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG said when the bill was before the committee                  
previously he had asked the sponsor to obtain evidence that would              
show that insurance companies would actually save money.  He asked             
Mr. Atkinson whether he was successful in acquiring evidence.                  
                                                                               
MR. ATKINSON responded, "I believe we have."                                   
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN ROKEBERG said he looks forward in hearing the bill the                
following Wednesday.  House Bill 350 was held over until the                   
following Wednesday.