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

Order R21-03


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 January 15, 2021, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued an extension of the public health disaster emergency order regarding COVID-19. 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), as long as the final payment of COVID-19 vaccine administration is no lower than 150% of Medicare for the geographic area in which the service is received. 


For additional guidance, insurers may review Bulletin B20-24 and Regulatory Orders R20-12 and R20-16.


This order is effective January 15, 2021. It shall expire February 14, 2021 or when the Governor determines the public health disaster emergency no longer exists.




Lori Wing-Heier 
Director
 

Attachments, History, Details

Attachments

Revision History

Created 1/15/2021 10:36:27 AM by jlwillard

Details

Department: Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Category: Public Notices
Sub-Category:
Location(s): Statewide
Project/Regulation #: R21-03
 
Publish Date: 1/15/2021
Archive Date: 2/15/2021
 
Events/Deadlines: