This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
Information is unavailable.
Distinct from CHWs, community health aides/practitioners (CHA/Ps) work within the guidelines of the Alaska Community Health Aide Manual (CHAM) across 170 rural Alaska villages in assessing and providing emergent, acute, and chronic care to residents of their respective communities. Alaska CHA/Ps are the frontline of health care in their communities.
State CHW Governance
Alaska does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs.
Certification and Training
Alaska does not have a state-run CHW certification program.
Many CHWs in Alaska receive training through the Alaska Primary Care Association, which offers a Registered Apprenticeship Program through the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). Upon successful completion, CHWs receive a portable credential (Certificate of Apprenticeship) issued by the USDOL. Within this program, specialized CHW trainings include Care Management Concepts, Case Management Referrals, Client-Centered Interviewing and Counseling, Chronic Disease Management, Community Diagnosis and Community Health Education, Understanding Trauma and Supporting Recovery, and Community Organizing and Advocacy. CHWs in this program also receive a Certificate in Principles of Health Coaching from the National Health Careers Association.
Medicaid Reimbursement
Alaska does not currently reimburse for CHW services through its Medicaid program.
Distinct from CHWs, Alaska Medicaid does reimburse for a related workforce: community health aide/practitioner (CHA/P) services through its fee-for-services program via a State Plan Amendment effective July 1, 2017. The CHA/P program primarily serves rural areas and is administered by Tribal health organizations.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
Funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities initiative supports training of CHWs and employer education around CHWs through the Alaska Workforce Investment Board and the Alaska Primary Care Association.
Key Partnerships
The Alaska Primary Care Association offers a CHW apprenticeship program and is a key partner in supporting the workforce.
The Indian Health Service and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium are key partners in supporting the CHA/P program in the state.
The Alaska Community Health Worker Network is a key organization supporting CHW workforce development.
State CHW Legislation
Information is unavailable.
State Resources
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
