The Alaska Legislature has adopted a bill that would legalize subscription-based health care in the state. The bill would allow primary care providers to offer care to patients based on a monthly fee, similar to a gym membership. Direct health agreements, as they are called, can give patients access to limited health care services without the involvement of insurance companies. The Senate voted Thursday in a 12-7 split to adopt changes made to the bill by the House. The bill is the fifth measure adopted by the full Legislature this...

The Alaska House passed a bill Monday that would legalize subscription-based health care in Alaska. “Direct health care agreements work similarly to a gym membership,” said Rep. Kevin McCabe, a Big Lake Republican who sponsored the legislation in the House. It would allow Alaskans to pay a monthly fee in return for primary care services rather than paying per visit. Similar services are already allowed in other states. Some practices are already offering the service in Alaska, despite the fact that it is neither allowed nor regulated under state statutes....