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HB185

Alaska HB 185: Medical Assistance for Family Planning

Last scannedSep 12, 2026, 4:46 AM

In one sentence

This bill allows Alaska to offer family planning services and supplies through its medical assistance program to individuals of child-bearing age who are not pregnant and meet specific income limits, pending federal approval.

What it does

  • Adds family planning services and supplies as an optional benefit under the state medical assistance plan.
  • Limits eligibility for this new benefit to individuals of child-bearing age who are not pregnant.
  • Requires that household income does not exceed 225 percent of the federal poverty line defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Directs the Department of Health to amend and submit the state plan for medical assistance coverage for federal approval.
  • Sets a start date of January 1, 2026, if federal conditions are met.

Who it affects

  • Individuals in Alaska who need family planning services and supplies.
  • People whose household income is at or below 225 percent of the federal poverty line.
  • The Department of Health regarding state plan updates and notifications to the revisor of statutes.

Limits and unknowns

  • The law only takes effect if, on or before January 1, 2026, federal approval is received or deemed unnecessary.
  • Services under this specific provision are not available to individuals who are currently pregnant.
  • The exact list of covered supplies depends on the final approved state plan.

Plain language

Terms to know

Medical assistance
Government-funded health coverage provided under Alaska law, often known as Medicaid.
Family planning services and supplies
Health care and items related to preventing pregnancy or managing reproductive health offered as an optional benefit.
Federal poverty line
An income level set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services used to determine eligibility for aid programs.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textCurrent bill text

Official summary

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE; FAMILY PLANNING An Act relating to medical assistance eligibility for family planning services; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. (H) Minutes (HHSS)Min
  2. (H) Heard & Held -- Delayed to 4:15 pm --Text
  3. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:15 PM DAVIS 106Text
  4. (H) Minutes (HHSS)Min
  5. (H) Heard & HeldText
  6. (H) HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES at 03:15 PM DAVIS 106Text
  7. (H) REFERRED TO HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES671
  8. (H) HSS, FIN671
  9. (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS671