Alaska

In Review: SB 134 (Licensure) was heard on May 15th in the House Health & Social Services Committee and was voted out of Committee; although it was referred to the Finance Committee, it has been removed and referred to Rules. HB

In Review: PBM legislation continues to advance without triggering engagement from PCMA. HB 144/SB 133—bills revising prior authorization and step therapy requirements, including for Stage 4 cancer patients—were heard in both chambers the week of April 14. These measures would

In Review: Several bills continue to move through the legislature, with SB 134 (licensure) and its companion HB 149 (licensure) proposing to shift PBMs and TPAs from registration to licensure; both bills received hearings in their respective Health Committees and are

In Review: SB 142 (omnibus) aims to expand the scope of last year’s HB 226 by applying its provisions to AlaskaCare and municipal plans while explicitly excluding ERISA plans. Despite omitting some high-cost mandates like NADAC pricing and dispensing fees, it

In Review: While no major PBM legislation has emerged yet, a pending prior authorization bill was negotiated during the interim and is awaiting filing. PCMA and member companies continue to monitor for any mid-session filings that could impact PBM operations. If

In Review: PCMA submitted a veto request to Governor Mike Dunleavy (R), urging him to reject HB 226 (AWP, ban on spread pricing, white bagging with terms and conditions, and transparency). The governor has 20 days from receipt of the bill

In Review: SCS CSHB 226 (omnibus -mitigated) passed the Senate with a vote of 19-0 on Saturday, May 11, after receiving approval from the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee the day prior on May 10; and the House concurred on

In Review: Amidst a backdrop of legislative discord, HB 226 found itself back in the spotlight as legislators revisited the bill following a breakdown in amendment agreements. The proposed amendments, which had been central to discussions, were notably absent from

In Review: HB 226 (omnibus) has undergone significant amendments that have substantially narrowed its scope, affecting only about 15% of the fully insured market, specifically targeting AK Title 21 plans. Organized labor, led by the Pacific Health Coalition, utilized PCMA

In Review: The proposed amendment to HB 226 (omnibus + POS added) continues to face opposition from labor and business sectors, with only 30 days remaining until the legislative session adjourns. Amendment (U) introduces significant changes; it no longer directly