Prior Authorization Reform Bill SB 133 Becomes Law

On July 15, 2025, Senate Bill 133 became law in Alaska. This bill speeds up the turnaround time for prior authorization requests by requiring insurance companies to respond to routine requests within 72 hours and expedited requests within 24 hours.

The Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) commends the passage of this legislation. While prior authorization can be useful for reviewing the appropriateness of medical care, it can also cause significant delays in necessary, urgent patient treatment. Across the Alaska Tribal Health System, the current prior authorization process serves as an administrative challenge to Tribes’ and Tribal Health Organizations’ ability to provide needed health care services and medications in a timely and efficient manner. SB 133 represents a significant step in strengthening our state’s health care delivery system and the health of patients.

In addition to speeding up the prior authorization turnaround time, SB 133 provides long-term prior authorization for treatment of chronic conditions, prohibits restrictions on key therapies for advanced cancer, requires an exception process to step therapy, increases transparency and accountability, and prioritizes automation – all positive steps for improving access to timely, quality care in our state.

To learn more about the SB 133, read this article from the Alaska Beacon, which names us as well as the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association and the Alaska State Medical Association as having supported the bill’s passage.