AK HB47

Establishes direct health care agreements as written contracts between health care providers and patients for periodic fee-based services, excluding patients eligible for Medicaid or catastrophic illness assistance.

Requires agreements to describe services, specify fees and billing periods, disclose that coverage is not insurance and does not provide federal mandate protections, and include complaint contact information.

Allows patients to terminate agreements within 30 days with refund (minus services rendered and up to one month termination fee), and both parties to terminate with 30 days' notice thereafter.

Prohibits periodic fee increases more than once annually with 45 days' notice and requires billing only after service periods end; allows employers to pay fees without constituting insurance business.

Exempts direct health care agreements from insurance regulation and mandates, but subjects them to consumer protection laws and prohibits discriminatory denial or termination based on protected characteristics.