I recently introduced legislation (HB 144) to refine the prior authorization process for health care services. We are all affected by the rising cost of health care year after year. The increasing costs not only affect us in Alaska but the whole country. America has some of the highest health care costs in the world per capita, and its citizens are suffering.

One of the areas where many of us experience frustration is when we need Prior Authorization for service. Delays in getting a “yes” can lead to severe health consequences, especially for patients with chronic illnesses or urgent medical needs. Additionally, it is costly for patients and providers to spend more time trying to gain approval for an appointment or service.

HB 144 reduces bureaucratic red tape and does not hinder patients from accessing the treatments they need. By holding insurers accountable, this legislation prioritizes patient well-being while reducing administrative burdens on health care providers.

HB 144 is a direct result of collaboration between health care providers, insurers and patients, who worked together to craft this legislation in a way that benefits all parties with the overarching goal of creating a smoother process for patients and reducing overall costs to Alaskans.

This bill institutes key reforms to the prior authorization system, making it more transparent, efficient and patient-friendly.

HB 144 requires health insurers to process prior authorization requests within set time frames: 72 hours for standard requests and 24 hours for expedited cases. If insurers fail to meet these deadlines, the authorization request is automatically approved. HB 144 establishes a mechanism for the State Director of Insurance to impose penalties on insurers that fail to meet their obligations under this bill.

This bill requires health insurers to publish clear and accessible prior authorization requirements on their website or portal. Clinical review criteria must be evidence-based, peer-reviewed, and consistently applied. HB 144 establishes an electronic prior authorization system to streamline the process of requesting and approving services. Additionally, this legislation ensures that prior authorization approvals for chronic conditions remain valid for a minimum of 12 months, with automatic renewals if there are no changes in the patient’s condition.

Patient protection provisions guard patients from unnecessary step therapy requirements, particularly those undergoing treatment for stage 4 metastatic cancer. This also allows physicians to request step therapy exceptions when medically necessary.

HB 144 represents a significant step forward in health care policy for Alaska, reflecting a commitment to prioritizing patients’ needs. HB 144 is part of the solution to reducing health care costs and improving access to health care services for Alaskans.

I will be hosting a town hall from 10 a.m. to noon on March 29 at the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Chambers, and I hope to see you there to talk about this issue or other state matters. If you cannot make it to the town hall, please don’t hesitate to contact my office by emailing Rep.Justin.Ruffridge@akleg.gov or calling 907-465-2693 if you have any questions or comments.