Office address: 333 Willoughby AVE, 9th FL, State Office Bldg. Juneau, AK 99801-1770
Website: commerce.alaska.gov/web/ins
Year established: 1966 (codified under Alaska law)
Employees: N/A
Key people: Lori Wing-Heier (director), Heather Carpenter (deputy director), Molly Nollette (chief market regulator), Shauna Nickel (program coordinator), Alex Romero (chief investigator), David Phifer (chief financial examiner)
Operating budget: $8.6 million (FY 2025)
The Alaska Division of Insurance regulates insurers and agents to protect consumers and enforce Title 21 of Alaska law. It oversees complaints, market conduct, licensing, filings, and fraud investigations from offices in Anchorage and Juneau.
The Alaska Division of Insurance has a long record of regulating the state’s insurance industry to protect consumers and guide companies. While annual reporting began in 1938, the division was formally structured as a standalone agency under Alaska law around 1966.
Below are some of the division’s key moments:
In 2025, the division released an online cost comparison tool that helps Alaskans view estimated prices for over 70 medical procedures. This tool improves transparency and supports informed health care decisions across the state.
The division operates under Title 21 of the Alaska Statutes, which grants it full authority to regulate insurance in the state. It is also required by AS 21.06.110 to submit annual reports on its oversight and activities.
Within the Alaska Division of Insurance, several specialized divisions carry out its regulatory mandate:
The agency is led by a director who reports to the Commissioner of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. This leadership role is appointed by the Governor, not elected.
Lori Wing-Heier has served as director since 2014 and brings over three decades of insurance experience. She recently helped shape the National Climate Resilience Strategy released by state regulators to strengthen disaster readiness and protect vulnerable communities.
The Alaska Division of Insurance actively manages filings, enforces rules, and supports a fair environment for both consumers and insurers. Its core responsibilities include:
The Alaska Division of Insurance also helps draft state insurance laws. It reviews national standards through the NAIC and joins international efforts through the IAIS.
In early 2025, it issued a bulletin raising PBM (pharmacy benefit managers) registration fees and tightening reporting requirements. PBMs must now disclose ownership, provide financials, and maintain reimbursement records for regulatory access. The new rules give the Alaska Division of Insurance faster access to PBM data and improve oversight of reimbursement practices.
Director Lori Wing-Heier also worked with Alaska lawmakers to pass legislation creating risk pool programs for fishing cooperatives. In 2025, the Alaska House approved a bill exempting co-ops from certain insurance rules to expand coverage options. The change supports the division by clarifying its regulatory scope and improving access for underserved markets.
The Alaska Division of Insurance provides complaint support, scam alerts, and disaster resources through its dedicated consumer services tools and programs:
The agency’s online portal is available to Alaskans 24/7. It offers insurance complaint tools and disaster planning checklists.
It aims to ease mounting financial pressure on the industry
Sweeping changes target a sector facing growing scrutiny
President states that the deal is “natural”
The carrier will exit at least one Western state’s market, leaving just one provider and few options for consumers
The state’s Division of Insurance Director addressed the Senate this week with an overview of the health insurance market
