Sen. Klayman introduces bill to require telehealth pay parity for private insurers; physician urges passage
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Summary
Senate Bill 83 would require private insurers to reimburse telehealth at the same rate as in-person services; sponsor and a rheumatologist testified that parity would preserve access in rural Alaska and prevent avoidable emergency transfers.
Senator Matt Klayman introduced Senate Bill 83 to the House Health and Social Services Committee on Feb. 3, saying the bill would require private health insurers to reimburse telehealth services at the same rate as in-person care, building on Alaska Medicaid's existing parity.
Klayman said telehealth "reduces barriers to care" in rural Alaska and for people with disabilities, and cited its importance for chronic disease management and behavioral health. He noted that at least 28 states have enacted similar measures and framed the bill as an effort to preserve and expand access.
Serena Hackenmiller, staff to the sponsor, presented a sectional analysis. She said the bill adds a new paragraph to AS 21.42.422 to require equal reimbursement, conforms other statutes (including group and municipal plans) to that change, and repeals sunset language previously tied to Medicaid telehealth parity. The substitute draft includes an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.
Dr. Sarah Doty, a rheumatologist who travels to rural Alaska, testified in support. She described recent telehealth cases in which remote consultation diagnosed and treated acute disease flares and "prevented emergency airlift of the patient to a local hospital," and argued that reduced reimbursement for telehealth would risk the viability of services that often provide a net savings to insurers and avoid higher downstream costs.
Committee members asked whether insurers had been consulted and whether parity might disincentivize in-person services in rural communities. Klayman said insurers previously indicated no opposition and suggested the committee invite an economist who has previously testified about how parity can increase overall access. Representative Schwanke said he would review prior testimony and asked for follow-up cost-savings documentation.
The committee held no vote; Chair Mina indicated further committee consideration and follow-up materials would be scheduled.
Sources: Sponsor and staff presentation and testimony from Dr. Sarah Doty at the House Health and Social Services Committee hearing, Feb. 3, 2026.
