New State Law Says EMS Providers Can Receive More Reimbursement from Medicaid
![Nome's Public Safety Building in April 2014, where the Nome Volunteer Ambulance Department is currently housed. Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM file.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2014-04-24-Nome-Public-Safety-bldg-2432px-001-1200x800.jpg)
Yesterday, Governor Bill Walker signed House Bill 176 into law, which allows EMS providers to seek supplemental reimbursement from the Medicaid program. Currently, EMS providers around the state only receive payment for 30% of their costs when transporting patients eligible for Medicaid.
Alaska Senate Passes Olson’s Resolution to Combat All-Inclusive Ivory Bans and Legislation
![Ivory ring](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_6684-2432px-900x1200.jpg)
16 senators voted yes to SJR4 which urges Congress to exempt legally obtained walrus, mammoth, and mastodon ivory from other laws that ban ivory. Currently, the states of New York, California, Hawaii, and Washington have their own legislation that bans the possession and distribution of all ivory.
Confusion Over Legalities is Hurting Alaskan Ivory Market, Locals Say
![Various carvings made from ivory on display at Maruskiya's in Nome. Most of these pieces are made from walrus ivory. Photo Credit: Davis Hovey, KNOM (2017)](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Maruskiyas-1-1200x900.jpg)
An educational brochure is available that explains how Native Alaskans’ use of walrus ivory is excluded from an elephant ivory ban in the U.S., which was established last year by an executive order from President Obama.
Year-End Opportunity for IRA Donations
![Dollar bill close-up, George Washington](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2014-12-27-dollar-george-wash-1216px-1200x801.jpg)
Those over age 70 1/2 who may wish to donate to KNOM in the last few days of 2014 directly from their IRA now have an extra incentive to do so: special tax deductions.