Alaska Health Insurance

From majestic glaciers and rugged mountain ranges to rich Indigenous cultures, Alaska remains a unique and desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.

As of 2024, Alaska’s uninsured rate reflects the ongoing impact of Medicaid expansion and the ACA, which together have significantly reduced the number of uninsured residents. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in Alaska.

Health Insurance Options in Alaska

Alaska offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many Alaskans receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most convenient and accessible option.

ACA Marketplace Plans

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through federal or state Marketplaces. These plans offer essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.

If you don’t have employer coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies. As part of this effort, CMS will reduce the ACA subsidies by $5 per month for individuals who are automatically re-enrolled in fully subsidized plans without verified eligibility.

Marketplace Plans:

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; ideal for minimal healthcare usage.
• Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; best for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum: Not currently offered in Alaska.

Metal Tier Breakdown:

Source: Healthcare.gov

Medicaid

DenaliCare, Alaska’s Medicaid program, provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible low-income residents. Benefits typically include preventive care, hospital visits, mental health services, prescriptions, and more.

Alaska expanded Medicaid in 2015 under the ACA, significantly increasing access for adults aged 19–64 who previously did not qualify.

Short-Term Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans offer temporary health coverage and can be a practical solution for individuals who are between jobs, recently lost employer coverage, waiting for ACA or Medicare eligibility, or need affordable protection during a coverage gap.

These plans are not ACA-compliant and can deny coverage based on preexisting conditions. They also typically lack comprehensive benefits like maternity, mental health, or preventive care.

STM Plan Enrollment: You can enroll year-round, and many plans start as soon as the next day after approval.

Learn more about Alaska short-term health plans.

Student Health Insurance

College students in Alaska have several options:

• Stay on a parent’s plan until age 26
• Enroll in a school-sponsored health plan
• Apply for coverage through the ACA Marketplace

Depending on income, students may qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term coverage. Learn more about Alaska student health insurance.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP in Alaska is offered through Denali KidCare, providing coverage to children and pregnant women in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but needing affordable insurance.

Medicare

Medicare coverage is available to residents age 65+ and younger individuals with certain disabilities. Options include:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Not currently offered in Alaska.
• Prescription Drug Plans (Part D): Helps pay for medications and some vaccines.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Covers out-of-pocket costs that Parts A and B don’t pay.

COBRA Coverage

If you’ve recently lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to continue your previous employer’s health plan temporarily, usually at full cost.

Coverage Options for American Indian/Alaska Native Residents

AI/AN residents have additional healthcare access options:

Indian Health Service (IHS)

The Alaska Area IHS partners with tribal organizations to provide healthcare to about 175,000 Alaska Natives through a network of tribally operated facilities and urban Indian health programs.

Marketplace Benefits for AI/AN Enrollees

• No-cost sharing or premiums for qualifying households
• Year-round enrollment in ACA Marketplace plans
• Continued access to IHS or tribal services without penalty
• Access to broader care not available through IHS

Medicaid and CHIP Access for AI/AN

• No asset verification required
• Tribal income such as per capita distributions are not counted

Enrollment Periods in Alaska

Open Enrollment for 2025 Coverage:

November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026

During this time, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their marketplace health plans.

Special Enrollment Period:

Available year-round for those experiencing qualifying life events like:

• Loss of coverage
• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Relocation
• Major income change

You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in Alaska

As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through HealthCare.gov:

• Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska (statewide)
• Moda Health (limited service areas)

Plan availability may vary by ZIP code or region.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Before choosing a plan, make sure you understand these key terms:

• Premium: Monthly payment to keep your plan active
• Deductible: What you pay before your insurance begins to pay
• Copayment: A fixed cost for services like doctor visits
• Coinsurance: Your share of costs after meeting the deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay annually for covered care
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: In-network providers typically cost less

Need help with terminology? Visit this glossary for simple explanations of key health insurance terms.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in Alaska comes with many options—whether from your employer, the ACA Marketplace, Medicaid, or Medicare. Exploring all your choices and understanding when and how to enroll can help you find affordable, dependable coverage.

Need assistance choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to estimate your savings or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized support.