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HB 14

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kasey Carpenter and 3 co-sponsors

HB 14 repeals outdated health assistance programs in Alaska, saving over $150,000 annually and allowing resources to focus on more effective services for low-income residents.

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Bill Summary · HB 14

Summary of House Bill 14 (HB 14)

Overview

Bill Number: HB 14
Title: An Act repealing programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions.
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Status: Referred to Health & Social Services
Sponsor: Representative Will Stapp

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 14 aims to repeal the Catastrophic Illness Assistance and Medical Assistance for Chronic and Acute Medical Conditions programs in Alaska. The intent behind this legislation is to eliminate outdated and underutilized programs that have become financially burdensome for the state, especially in light of the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Key Provisions

  • Repeal of Programs: The bill seeks to remove all statutory references to the Catastrophic Illness Assistance and Medical Assistance for Chronic and Acute Medical Conditions from Alaska law.
  • Administrative Changes: The bill amends various sections of the Alaska Statutes to delete references to these programs, including:
    • AS 36.30.850(b)(11)
    • AS 47.05.085
    • AS 47.05.200(d)
    • AS 47.05.210(a)
    • AS 47.05.240
    • AS 47.05.290 (multiple subsections)
    • AS 47.08 (entire section)
  • Fraud Investigation Provisions: The bill allows the Department of Health to investigate potential fraud related to the now-repealed programs and issue subpoenas for necessary records.

Impact

  • Affected Population: The primary beneficiaries of the repealed programs were low-income individuals who did not qualify for Medicaid. Since the expansion of Medicaid, the number of individuals qualifying for these programs has drastically declined, with only two approvals in 2021 and none in subsequent years.
  • Cost Savings: The state has incurred costs of over $150,000 annually to administer these programs, despite their low utilization. The repeal is expected to free up resources for more utilized programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • Administrative Efficiency: By eliminating these programs, the Department of Public Assistance can redirect administrative efforts towards more impactful services, reducing backlogs and improving service delivery.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: The bill has been referred to the Health & Social Services Committee and is currently under consideration. It has passed the House and is awaiting further action in the Senate.
  • Fiscal Note: The fiscal note indicates that the repeal will not result in additional costs and is expected to streamline operations within the Department of Health.

Conclusion

HB 14 represents a significant shift in Alaska's approach to health assistance programs, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape and the need for fiscal responsibility. By repealing outdated programs, the state aims to enhance service delivery and focus on more effective health assistance solutions for its residents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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