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Alaska Legislature Passes Resolutions Urging Congress to Keep Health Care Coverage For Alaskans
Juneau, AK — The Alaska Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 15 and House Joint Resolution 9, which urge Alaska’s congressional delegation to oppose federal cuts to Medicaid funding and extend enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) beyond their 2025 year-end expiration.
HJR 9, sponsored by Representative Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, urges Congress to support ACA enhanced tax credits to empower the state’s workforce, self-employed Alaskans, and working families. Without the continuation of the enhanced tax credits, premiums, which have increased by more than 50% over the past three years, are projected to potentially double for many residents and force some to forgo coverage altogether.
“I hope our delegation understands what a lifeline these tax credits are for Alaska entrepreneurs, small business owners, and their families," said Rep. Genevieve Mina. "Alaska already faces significant health care challenges; letting these credits expire would not only jeopardize individual health outcomes but also push working Alaskans into financial ruin."
SJR 15, sponsored by the Senate Health and Social Services Committee, highlights the role Medicaid and Denali Kidcare play in Alaska’s health care system. Together, they provide health coverage to more than 240,000 Alaskans. Federal Medicaid funding makes up nearly 78% of Alaska’s total Medicaid spending, over $2 billion annually. Proposed federal cuts would drastically reduce Alaska’s ability to provide care, undermine long-term services and supports, and impose a greater financial burden on the state, local providers, and families already struggling with high costs.
“Alaskans rely on both Medicaid and Affordable Care Act Premium Tax Credits to access affordable health care,” said Sen. Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, Health & Social Services Chair. “I appreciate my colleagues in both bodies who stood up for working and middle-class Alaskans and urged Congress not to slash these programs. I hope our delegation listens and the federal government reverses course. If they don’t, many will lose both their physical and behavioral health care, which will be felt in our homes, in our emergency rooms, and on our streets.”
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