HB 209 Summary

• Health care insurers offering plans in Alaska must provide coverage for a minimum of two courses of tobacco cessation treatment per plan year.

• Each course of treatment must include at least four counseling sessions (minimum 10 minutes each) provided by a qualified counselor via telephone or in person, plus FDA-approved over-the-counter or prescription cessation medications.

• Insurers cannot require preauthorization, a health care provider referral, or mandatory counseling participation to receive medication coverage.

• Coverage cannot include more restrictive financial requirements than medical or surgical benefits, including limits on payments, deductibles, or copayment amounts.

• The requirements apply to health care insurance plans offered, issued, delivered, or renewed after the bill's effective date.