AK SB197

Creates a new framework for direct health care agreements between providers and patients, government entities, or employers, requiring annual fees instead of per-service charges.

Requires agreements to disclose services, fees, and prominently state they are not health insurance and do not meet federal health insurance mandates or provide protections under AS 21.07 or AS 21.36.

Allows patients to terminate agreements within 30 days of signing with refund of payments minus services rendered, and allows either party to terminate with 30 days' notice thereafter.

Prohibits health care providers from declining or terminating agreements based on protected characteristics (race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood) and restricts termination based on health status unless provider cannot provide required level of care.

Exempts direct health care agreements from insurance regulation and adds violations of the agreement requirements to Alaska's unfair trade practices statutes.