Senior and Disabilities Services

Our mission is to promote health, well being and safety for individuals with disabilities, seniors and vulnerable adults by facilitating access to quality services and supports that foster independence, personal choice and dignity.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Graphic link to sign up for COVID-19 updates

DOH is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. Learn more about 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

*Forms, facts and changes to procedures for operations during the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration.

Alaska COVID-19 Toolkit link  


Home and Community-Based Services Advisory Group

By federal requirement, an advisory group providing input and guidance to the state and public regarding Medicaid 1915(i) option and 1915(k) Community First Choice option for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) benefits has been established.

Find out more:

Medicaid Reform in Alaska Inclusive Community Choices banner link.
Community First Choice.


Headlines

2023

  • April 20, 2023 - Public Health Emergency Ending
    The COVID-19 public health emergency is set to expire on May 11, 2023. This means that the flexibilities permitted during the PHE will end, but the end date will vary depending on the type of flexibility approved by CMS. Find out more on the Alaska Department of Health’s Public Health Emergency Ending website.

2022

  • SDS Delivers Final Plan to Eliminate the IDD Waitlist to the Legislature

    • The FY23 budget bill (House Bill 281) passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor included intent language directing the Department of Health to develop a plan and cost estimates to eradicate the waiting list for waivers serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) within five years.   
       
      The eradication plan was delivered to the Alaska Legislature on December 20, 2022.
       
      SDS thanks the many stakeholders who attended work sessions and provided comment on earlier versions.
       
      Stakeholders can view recordings of the all three work sessions to review and provide comment on the draft on our YouTube channel.

2021

Go to SDS News Archives


Blue Campaign, identify and report elderly, disabled or vulnerable adults. 

Medication Education Disability Benefits 101