The Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) filed its proposed Medical Fee Schedule rule for a public hearing, officially launching the formal rulemaking process. This marks a key step forward following an extensive revision effort that began in May 2025 and ultimately delayed the 2026 fee schedule, which had been originally set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The delay was driven by Administrative Order 360, issued by the Governor on August 4, 2025, directing agencies to reduce regulatory burden by 15% by December 31, 2026, and 25% by December 31, 2027.

A revised rule reflecting this order was presented at the August 22nd joint Medical Services Review Committee/Workers’ Compensation Board meeting, where it received initial approval before being sent to the Department of Law. The Department requested further revisions, and an updated October draft was rejected. Director Charles Collins then worked directly with the Department to reach a compromise version, which the Board approved at its January meeting.

The public hearing will be held on February 19, 2026, where stakeholders may provide oral comments, and written comments must be received by February 18, 2026. The proposed rule includes general cleanup and streamlining of the regulatory language, while the fee schedule it incorporates includes new reimbursement guidance for DME rentals without an assigned fee schedule value, home health services such as custodial and skilled care, and medical evaluations.

The newly proposed effective date is now anticipated to be March 15, 2026.