Margaret Brodie
Director
Vitamin D is important for strong bones and may contribute to overall good health. Alaskans should select foods that are high in vitamin D, such as Alaska salmon, and should talk with their health care provider about vitamin D and the risks and benefits of supplementation.
Health Care Services
The Division of Health Care Services provides access and oversight to the full range of appropriate Medicaid health care services to all eligible Alaskans in need. These services include but are not limited to hospitals, physicians, pharmacy, dental, vision, durable medical equipment, and transportation. The division also has the responsibility for protecting Alaska’s most vulnerable populations, through its certification and licensing sections.
News
CMS Declares Alaska Public Health Emergency
In response to the 7.0 earthquake that occurred in southcentral Alaska on December 3, 2018, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar declared a public health emergency in Alaska following the President’s emergency declaration on November 30, 2018. This declaration allowed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to grant an 1135 Waiver to aid healthcare facilities in providing uninterrupted care and long-term care facilities in providing care to Alaskans who are elderly or disabled.
The following documents provide additional information about the emergency declaration and the 1135 Waiver:
- CMS Certifies Alaska Medicaid MMIS
On September 28, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the Department of Health and Social Services’ request for certification of its Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). Certification allows the department to receive 75 percent Federal Financial Participation (FFP) funds for costs associated with implementation of the system.
- Medicaid Regulations Filed: Payment Rates for Behavioral Health Services
New Medicaid behavioral health services rate regulations were adopted by the Department of Health and Social Services, filed by the Lieutenant Governor, and are effective January 1, 2019. The signed regulations are available on the Online Public Notice website.
- Proposed Regulations and Public Hearing: Medicaid Coverage – Home Health
On November 9, 2018, the Department of Health and Social Services issued a public notice announcing proposed regulation changes to home health services. The public comment period ends on December 28, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. AKT. A public hearing will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. AKT on December 10, 2018 at 3601 C Street, Room 890, Anchorage, AK 99503, at which time oral and written comments will be accepted. The proposed regulations and additional details are available on the Online Public Notices website.
- DHSS Regulations Filed: Disease Monitoring, Control, and Reporting
New regulations related to the monitoring, control, and reporting of diseases of public health importance were adopted by the Department of Health and Social Services, signed by the Lieutenant Governor, and are effective November 30, 2018. The signed regulations are available on the Online Public Notices website.
- Opioid Training/CEU Opportunity for Prescribing Providers
New Alaska legislation requires a minimum of two hours of continuing education in pain management, opioid use, and addiction for prescribing providers. For information on applicable courses, view the Opioid and Pain Management training flyers on the Enterprise Provider Messages and Announcements page.
- Medicaid Regulations Filed: Prospective Payment System
New regulations affecting providers with prospectively determined rates were adopted by the Department of Health and Social Services, signed by the Lieutenant Governor, and are effective November 10, 2018. The signed regulations are available on the Online Public Notices website.
- Medicaid Explanation of Medical Benefits Available Beginning October 2018
Beginning on October 10, 2018, Alaska Medicaid members who are 18 or older will have access to Medicaid Explanation of Medical Benefits (EOMB) via a personal computer or smartphone. The EOMBs will display a limited selection of data fields from the claims that providers have billed on the member’s behalf. Members must register to view EOMBs. For more information, see “Medicaid Explanation of Medical Benefits FAQs 
” available on the Member Resources page.
Proposed Regulations and Public Hearing: Medicaid Coverage – HCBW Services, Nursing Oversight, and Care Management
On October 1, 2018, the Department of Health and Social Services issued a public notice announcing proposed regulation changes to HCBW services, nursing oversight, and care management. The public comment period ends on November 15, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. AKT. A public hearing will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. AKT on November 2, 2018 at 550 W. 7th Avenue, Room 104, Anchorage, AK 99501, at which time oral and written comments will be accepted. The proposed regulations and additional details are available on the
Online Public Notices website.
- Responses to Questions: Proposed Behavioral Health Medicaid Rates Regulations
On June 15, 2018, the Department of Health and Social Services issued a public notice announcing proposed regulation changes to community behavioral health services Medicaid rates. The public comment period for the proposed regulations closed on August 2, 2018. Responses to questions received during the public comment period and a link to the original public notice are both available on the Online Public Notices website.
- Proposed End-Stage Renal Disease Regulations Responses to Questions Now Available
On June 13, 2018, the Department of Health and Social Services issued a public notice announcing proposed regulation changes to facility and facility-based Medicaid coverage and payment rates for end-stage renal disease. The public comment period for the proposed regulations closed on August 2, 2018. Responses to questions received during the public comment period and a link to the original public notice are both available on the Online Public Notices website.
- Community First Choice, LTC, and TCM Regulations Adopted
New Community First Choice services regulations, and revised long-term services, targeted case management, and home and community-based waiver services regulations were adopted by the Department of Health and Social Services, signed by the Lieutenant Governor, and are effective October 1, 2018. The signed regulations are available on the Online Public Notices website.
Our Mission
To provide health coverage to Alaskans in need.
Our Vision
- Quality health care will be available to all Alaskans
- We will advocate for health coverage that promotes the optimal health status for all Alaskans
- We will be an innovative leader in Alaska health care
- We will be known for our excellent customer service
- Our performance and reputation will attract providers to our health plan
- As a major purchaser of health care we will invest in a strong Alaskan health care system
Our values
- The people we serve
- Good health
- Our employees
- Prudent use of resources
- Quality service
- Success in all we do
View our job opportunities at
http://workplace.alaska.gov.