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Alaska Health Insurance Costs and Issues
The majority of people in Alaska, 53%, receive health insurance through their employers. An additional 14% are insured through Medicaid and 6% (significantly lower than the national average of 12%) are insured through Medicare. Seventeen percent of the population has no health insurance.
The Alaska Comprehensive Health Insurance Association offers coverage to Alaskans who have been denied private insurance due to a medical condition. This high risk pool limits the cost of the insurance premiums. Minors, pregnant women, and disabled persons who meet strict income guidelines may qualify for Medicaid.
Pregnant women and uninsured minors who do not meet the stringent income guidelines for Medicaid may qualify for health insurance through Denali Kidcare, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Health Issues in Alaska
Alaska scores well in cardiac care with appropriate medications being prescribed for acute heart attacks in a high percentage of patients. The state also has a low rate of very low weight births.
An area in Alaska’s healthcare system that has potential for improvement and growth, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is nursing home care. A high percentage of nursing home residents, relative to other states, are reported to have pressure sores and issues with pain.
Alaska also has a relatively high rate of death by suicide.
Alaska Health in the News
In current health news, Governor Sarah Palin has stated her support of repealing certificate of need laws in the state of Alaska. Certificate of need laws mandate the oversight of development of health care facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, etc. A new facility cannot be opened unless its owners are able to demonstrate a community need for it. Repealing certificate of need legislation would allow more new health facilities to open and would increase competition among healthcare facilities.
