Juneau — The Alaska House of Representatives has passed House Bill 14, legislation aimed at repealing outdated programs for catastrophic illness assistance and medical assistance for chronic and acute medical conditions. Sponsored by Representative Will Stapp (R-Fairbanks), HB 14 seeks to streamline the state’s health assistance programs, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to serve Alaskans in need.
“HB 14 is about modernizing our approach to health assistance,” said Rep. Stapp. “By repealing programs that have become redundant or are no longer serving their intended purpose, we can focus on strengthening the systems that directly benefit Alaskans today.”
The Department of Health has indicated that since the implementation of Medicaid Expansion in 2015, most individuals now qualify for Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medicaid, rendering the Chronic and Acute Medical Assistance (CAMA) program largely obsolete. Currently, no one is utilizing the service, as its only eligible population, legal immigrants who do not meet the five-year residency requirement for Medicaid, can access alternative options through the federally facilitated marketplace.
“Our goal is to ensure that every dollar spent contributes to the well-being of our residents,” added Rep. Stapp. “This legislation is a step toward a more sustainable and responsive health assistance system.”
As Alaska continues to navigate fiscal and policy challenges, members of the House Republican Caucus are working to make state government more efficient and responsive. HB 14 reflects a practical effort to update outdated statutes and ensure that public resources are focused where they’re most effective. It’s one example of how lawmakers can make thoughtful, measured changes that keep government aligned with the needs of Alaskans today.