AK HB135

Adds preferred drug list and prior authorization medications list as materials incorporated by reference in Alaska's medical assistance program to enable cost containment for prescribed drugs under 42 U.S.C. 1396r-8.

Exempts from mandatory coverage individuals eligible for medical assistance solely due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act expansion, unless the legislature authorizes coverage by law.

Requires the department to implement cost containment measures that do not eliminate eligibility or scope of services before implementing measures that directly affect program eligibility or coverage.

Authorizes the department to obtain a section 1115 waiver to provide coverage through the individual marketplace for expansion-eligible individuals, excluding elderly, disabled, medically fragile, and other department-identified recipients.

Allows the department to adopt emergency regulations under AS 44.62.250 to implement the bill's cost containment changes while ensuring continued access to essential medical care.