(Anchorage) - Legislation aimed at affordable health care insurance for all Alaskans was signed into law today by Governor Frank Murkowoski. HB 29, sponsored by Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage) makes changes to Alaska's Comprehensive Health Insurance Association.

The state of Alaska offers an insurance pool for individuals considered high-risk by the industry. This means that those individuals with pre-existing conditions can join Alaska's high-risk pool and pay the required premiums for health insurance. Unfortunately, a gap exists between the premiums collected and the claims paid. Last year the gap was about $3,000,000. Currently, all insurance companies in Alaska that write health insurance premiums are required to pay for this gap. Health insurance companies are assessed by how much insurance they write. HB 29 will allow 50% of what they pay toward the gap to be deducted from their total premium tax bill the following year.

Representative Rokeberg said of his legislation, "This is an attempt to break down a barrier for health insurance companies to encourage them to do business in Alaska, thereby taking another step toward affordable health insurance for all Alaskans." He continued, "This bill provides a new funding mechanism for the high risk pool keeping the plan viable and continuing to meet the needs of those who are not eligible for traditional health insurance plans," said Representative Rokeberg.

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