Alaska Senate Forms Subcommittee To Address Health Care Reforms

The Alaska Senate's Health, Education and Social Services Committee last month formed a subcommittee that will be tasked with health care and welfare reform. The new subcommittee will review cost containment measures for Medicaid programs, as well as the state's CHIP program. The subcommittee will also hold hearings on issues such as expanding health insurance coverage and rural health care needs. Health care is the state's most expensive service behind education; with Medicaid costs increasing 10% annually, however, health costs are expected to surpass education within five years and the state's Medicaid costs are expected to double within seven years. State Sen. Lyda Green (R), chair of the Health, Education and Social Services Committee, said, "It has been years since the Legislature has taken a comprehensive look at our state's growing health care costs. It is important that ... the legislature consider these programs and their costs and whether they are appropriate and reasonable" (Office of Sen. Green release, 9/24). For further information on state health policy in Alaska, visit State Health Facts Online.