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Representative Lisa Murkowski Session: State Capitol, Room 406 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3783 Fax: (907) 465-2293 Send E-Mail |
Bill's Goal is to Provide Better Health and Lower Health Costs
For Immediate Release: March 31, 2000
Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Friday passed House Bill 298, 34-4. Sponsored by Representative Lisa Murkowski, HB 298 would require that health insurers in Alaska provide coverage for diabetes equipment, supplies, training and education as deemed necessary by State licensed health care providers.
"Over 30,000 Alaskans are affected by diabetes which, when left undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to kidney failure, amputation, nerve damage, blindness, extended hospitalizations, heart disease, and strokes," Murkowski said. "Much of this suffering - and a large portion of the attendant costs of treatment - can be avoided through prompt treatment and education on proper nutrition, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and medication."
HB 298 provides a $1500 cap on education and training which will be repealed in three years in order to provide ample time for the insurance industry to gauge the cost of education.
To date 38 states have enacted similar legislation.
Companion legislation, SB 276, is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.
Sponsor Statement for HB 67
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