AK HB17

Health insurers in Alaska must provide coverage for prescription contraceptives and related consultations, examinations, procedures, and medical services necessary to prescribe, dispense, insert, deliver, distribute, administer, or remove contraceptives, effective January 1, 2025.

Insurers must reimburse for prescription contraceptives intended to last 12 months for subsequent dispensings of the same contraceptive regardless of whether the insured was enrolled at the time of first dispensing, and cannot deny coverage if an insured changes contraceptive methods within 12 months.

Insurers cannot require cost sharing for contraceptives or related services except to the extent necessary to qualify a plan as a high deductible health plan eligible for health savings account tax deductions.

Religious employers meeting specific federal tax code criteria are exempt from contraceptive coverage requirements, provided the employer opposes such coverage and enforcement is demonstrated to be the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling government interest.

Alaska Medicaid must cover prescription contraceptives and related services, with implementation contingent on federal approval of state plan amendments by January 1, 2026, or a determination that approval is not necessary.