Order R20-12

Order Relating to COVID-19 Vaccinations and Treatments to Health Insurers offering Health Care Insurance policies in the state of Alaska

All insurers licensed in the state of Alaska or issuing insurance in the State of Alaska, insurance industry representatives and other interested parties are encouraged to review the latest information about COVID-19 released by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services at: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx.

BACKGROUND

On November 16, 2020, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a public health disaster emergency order. The order was made to protect Alaskans from the adverse effects of COVID-19. Due to the Governor’s declaration and pursuant to AS 21.06.080(d), director finds that emergency measures are needed to ensure Alaskans maintain their insurance coverage while allowing insurers increased flexibility.

THE DIRECTOR HEREBY ORDERS:

For the Coverage of Coronavirus therapeutic infusion treatments

1. Infusion therapies intended to treat COVID-19 shall be covered by insurers offering health care coverage to Alaska residents. This requirement is applicable to all health plans covering infusion services.

For the Coverage of Coronavirus Vaccinations

1. Due to the Experimental Use Authorization of COVID-19 vaccine and consistent with federal guidelines, insurers shall pay, with no cost-sharing to consumers for the administration of the vaccine whether it be a two-shot series or a single shot. The zero cost-sharing is applicable when received from a network or non-network vaccine administrator.

    

2. Insurers providing coverage under a health policy covering vaccines on an expense incurred basis must cover the vaccine administration at zero cost sharing. This includes grandfathered health care policies, short-term limited duration plans and excepted benefit policies.

    

    

3. Insurers shall recognize any provider offering the vaccine consistent with a state vaccination program. Such providers may include health aides, public health nurses, pharmacy technicians, or other local emergency medical services providers.

    

4. To ensure equitable access and financial stability of insurance companies during mass vaccinations related to coronavirus, the director orders that insurers will not be obligated to comply with 3 AAC 26.110(a) for COVID-19 vaccine administration reimbursement.

This order is effective November 17, 2020. It shall expire December 15, 2020 or when the Governor determines the public health disaster emergency no longer exists.

Lori Wing-Heier

Director