House Bill 265, sponsored by Rep. Ivy Spohnholz, D-Anchorage, would give health care providers
licensed in Alaska the option to deliver care via telehealth without an in-person visit when appropriate.
The bill, which passed the House last week, also requires parity for Medicaid reimbursement rates of all services delivered via telehealth, supporting innovation in the health care sector and ensuring that all Alaskans have access to care. The bill also allows for follow up care with out of state specialists after an in-person exam.
The companion bill in the Senate is SB 175.
The legislation removes red tape and barriers to high quality health care delivered via telehealth in Alaska, said Spohnholz. “Last year, flexibilities for telehealth reduced unnecessary travel for care and saved the state a net 23% in Medicaid costs, even after accounting for increase telehealth utilization. Extending these flexibilities for telehealth will continue to benefit Alaskans and allow the state to spend fewer Medicaid dollars without compromising care.”
The legislation has support from Alaska State Medical Association, Southcentral Foundation, Alaska Association on Developmental Disabilities, Alaska Behavioral Health Association, Alaska Association of Retired Persons, Alaska Primary Care Association, Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association, Alaska Native Health Board, and Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, and dozens more.
