Martin Lange

The Alaska Cancer Plan aims to achieve a cancer-free Alaska by preventing and detecting cancer and supporting survivors. It addresses the burden of cancer through a health equity framework, focusing on five key social determinants of health: Social and Community Context, Health Care Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, Economic Stability, and Education Access and Quality. The plan seeks to decrease cancer morbidity and mortality and promote optimal health for all Alaskans.

The webinar session focused on updating stakeholders on the plan for eradicating the intellectual and developmental disabilities waiver waitlist, including cost estimates and the draft plan. Discussions covered the legislature's request, a review of the previous webinar held in October, and considerations for estimating the fiscal impact, such as the number of people on the registry, those on the ISW wanting to be on the IDD waiver, and potentially eligible individuals not yet on the registry. The session also addressed how changes to SDS operations could control costs and the timeline for increasing enrollment on the IDD waiver.

The public meeting was held to seek stakeholder input on the American Rescue Plan Act funding. The discussion included an overview of three projects: critical trending critical incident reporting trending and analysis, direct support professional certification and training, and the direct support professional incentive fund. The meeting addressed eligibility requirements for participation, focusing on certified home and community-based services waiver providers enrolled in Medicaid during the base period from April 1, 2021, through March 31, 2022. It also covered reimbursement types, including vaccine incentives paid to DSPs, and sought feedback on other potential eligible expenses.

The Alaska Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) meeting included the introduction of a new member and the announcement of the Board Chair's departure, with a motion to name a new chair and vice chair. The Department of Health representatives provided updates on Commissioner's Office projects, the creation of the Medicaid Advisory Council (MAC) and Beneficiary Advisory Committee (BAC), and updates from the Divisions of Behavioral Health, Public Assistance, Health Care Services, and Senior and Disability Services. A public comment was shared regarding challenges with Medicaid eligibility. Members discussed updating forms, by-laws, and templates for the transition to the MAC, including term length changes and logo options, and provided topics of interest/concern.

The document outlines Medicaid procedure codes and rates for autism services, effective July 1, 2025. It includes rates for behavioral identification assessments, adaptive behavior treatments, and family guidance sessions. The rates reflect a 3.2% inflation adjustment from the rates effective July 1, 2024. The document also references relevant regulations and resources for providers.