Amendment to the State Plan – Travel 7.30.25

Agency Action: Amendment to the Medicaid State Plan The Department of Health (the department) hereby gives notice that it intends to seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a state plan amendment (SPA), with a July 1, 2025, effective date. Subject of Amendment(s):The department intends to submit a state plan amendment (SPA) to update to attachment 3.1-A, page 9a-d to include additional services allowed under administrative case management of transportation overseen by state or other governmental entities. The intent of this update is to expand allowed services that can be billed through tribal health organizations managing transportation services to include taxis, wheelchair vans, transportation network companies, lodging, and meals. This is in addition to the already authorized airfare and ferry services.There is no increase in state or fiscal impact for this amendment. EPSDT and ARRA/Tribal Consultation:The proposed amendments will not affect how Alaska Medicaid provides or reimburses Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services. The department followed the tribal consultation process established under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and set forth in its approved state plan.Public Comments:The department is holding a public comment period relative to these amendments until 5 PM on August 24, 2025. Individuals may submit written comments via email to christal.hays@alaska.gov. Please submit comments as an attached word document or pdf saved as “Public Comment – Travel SPA” in the subject line. All submissions must include the sender’s full name and email address.If you are a person with a disability who requires a special accommodation to participate in this process, please contact Christal Hays at christal.hays@alaska.gov not later than August 9, 2025, to ensure the provision of any necessary accommodations.Individuals unable to submit comments by email should submit written comments by the close of the comment period to:DOH Commissioner’s Officec/o Christal Hays3601 C Street, Suite 902Anchorage, AK 99503