"An Act relating to the state health insurance plan; and providing for an effective date."

The provisions in HB 195 have been introduced at the request of the Division of Insurance. In 2002, Congress passed the Federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act (TAA). This Act includes important provisions to assist certain workers who lose their jobs due to the effects of international trade by paying for qualified health insurance. Alaskans therefore can qualify for TAA assistance if they have lost their jobs to foreign imports, e.g. salmon and oil.

The TAA program provides tax credits of 65% of the amount paid by an eligible individual for qualified health insurance coverage. HB 195 amends the Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association (ACHIA) statutes to make Alaskans eligible under TAA, eligible for coverage under ACHIA. This will allow these Alaskans to get 65% of their premiums paid by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

I encourage your support of this legislation.

ED: 05/19/03

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