AK HB25

Establishes the Alaska Health Reform Policy Commission in the Department of Health and Social Services to evaluate health care needs, propose reforms, and develop comprehensive health policy recommendations for the legislature and executive branch.

Commission consists of 16 members: 11 appointed by the governor (including the health commissioner as chair and 10 specialists representing private health care interests, health insurance providers, consumers, federal and tribal health services) and 5 nonvoting legislative/gubernatorial advisors.

Commission duties include providing a public forum for health policy discussion, developing policy recommendations to improve health insurance access, contain costs, enhance care quality, and meet workforce needs, plus developing viable financing proposals.

Executive director position established in the partially exempt service, employed by and serving at the pleasure of the commission with duties determined by the commission.

Commission required to submit annual reports to legislature and governor by January 15, with the first report including a five-year strategic plan evaluating state health care strengths, weaknesses, and performance; all provisions sunset July 1, 2015.