Coverage of COVID-19 Vaccines

Bulletin B20-24 TO: ALL HEALTH CARE INSURERS IN THE STATE OF ALASKA AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES RE: COVERAGE OF COVID-19 VACCINES All insurers licensed in the state of Alaska or issuing insurance in the State of Alaska, insurance industry representatives and other interested parties are encouraged to review the latest information about COVID-19 released by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services at: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx. BACKGROUND On November 16, 2020, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a public health disaster emergency order and extended that order on December 16, 2020. The order was made to protect Alaskans from the adverse effects of COVID-19. Due to the Governor’s declaration and pursuant to AS 21.06.080(d), the director issues the following guidance to insurers: For the Coverage of Coronavirus Vaccinations 1. Due to the federal interim final rule (IFC-4) that requires authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines be covered within 15 business days of the authorization or approval, the potential for Alaskans to receive the vaccine prior to the end of that 15 business day period, and that insurers have been supportive of expanded coverage of COVID-19 services, the director expects insurers to cover the authorized or approved vaccine from the date of the authorization or approval. Dated December 17, 2020 ______________________________ Lori Wing-Heier Director Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development DIVISION OF INSURANCE P.O. Box 110805 Juneau, AK 99811-0805 Main: 907.465.2515 Fax: 907.465.3422