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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:
| Metal Tier | Insurance Company Pays | Consumer Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% |
| Silver | 70% | 30% |
| Gold | 80% | 20% |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% |
Medicaid
DenaliCare, Alaska’s Medicaid program, provides free or low-cost coverage for eligible low-income residents. Medicaid 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.
Student Health Insurance
College students in any state have multiple health insurance options, including staying on a parent’s plan until age 26, enrolling in a school-sponsored plan, or applying for coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Depending on your income and location, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost catastrophic or short-term plans—making Alaska student health insurance accessible and flexible for a wide range of needs.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP in Alaska is provided through Denali KidCare, which offers coverage for children and pregnant women in families with incomes too high for Medicaid but still needing affordable insurance.
Medicare
Medicare plans are available for residents aged 65+ and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities. Options include:
- Note: Medicare Advantage (Part C) is not offered in Alaska
- Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers to those enrolled in Parts A and B. These plans often include extra benefits and cost protections but typically require using a specific network of providers.
- Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurers to those enrolled in Parts A and B. These plans often include extra benefits and cost protections but typically require using a specific network of providers.
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
- Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage for anyone with Medicare, helping pay for medications and many vaccines. Offered by private insurers, these plans vary in cost and coverage and can be joined during specific enrollment periods.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t pay. Since Original Medicare (Parts A and B) lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, these plans can limit your expenses for medical services.
COBRA Coverage
If you’ve recently lost job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to continue your employer coverage temporarily.
Short-Term Plans
Short-term medical plans in Alaska are available for up to 3 months with limited benefits. These plans offer limited benefits and do not cover all ACA-required services but may be a flexible option during transitional periods.
What Are Coverage Options If You’re an American Indian/Alaska Native?
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) residents in Alaska have access to additional health coverage resources beyond those offered to the general population.
Indian Health Service (IHS)
The Alaska Area Indian Health Service partners with Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal Organizations to provide comprehensive health services to approximately 175,000 Alaska Natives, including Eskimos, Aleuts, and American Indians. These services are delivered via a network of tribally operated health facilities and urban Indian health programs.
Marketplace Benefits for AI/AN Enrollees
If you enroll in a health plan through the ACA Marketplace:
- No premiums or cost-sharing may apply if your household income qualifies.
- You can enroll in Marketplace coverage year-round, not just during Open Enrollment.
- You can continue to use IHS, tribal, or urban Indian healthcare services without penalty.
- Coverage from the Marketplace provides access to services not always covered by IHS or tribal health programs.
Medicaid and CHIP Access
AI/AN individuals may also qualify for Medicaid and CHIP benefits, and they may have special protections when applying. These include:
- No asset verification required during Medicaid eligibility review.
- Protections for tribal income, including per capita income distributions, which are not counted for eligibility.
These options can be especially valuable for improving access to a broader array of services beyond those available through IHS, including specialty and emergency care outside the tribal system.
Enrollment Periods in Alaska
Open Enrollment for 2025 Coverage:
November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2025
During this window, 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 such as:
- Job loss
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth/adoption of a child
- Relocation
- Change in income
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:
Plan availability may vary by county or ZIP code.
Understanding Health Insurance Costs
When selecting a plan, be sure to understand these common terms:
- Premium: Monthly payment to maintain your plan
- Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance kicks in
- Copayment (Copay): Fixed fee for a service or visit
- Coinsurance: Your share of costs after meeting your deductible
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Your annual cost limit for covered services
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using in-network providers helps lower costs
Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary helps you navigate key terms so you can make informed coverage decisions.
Bottom Line
Health insurance in Alaska comes with many choices—whether from your employer, through the ACA marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By staying informed and comparing plans during the right enrollment periods, you can secure reliable coverage that supports your well-being.
Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility for financial assistance or connect with a licensed insurance agent for personalized guidance.
