At least two of Alaska's insurers have decided to continue existing health insurance plans for insured Alaskans after President Obama stated that insurers could do so for another year if allowed by individual states. Premera Alaska has continued plans for at least 5,200 Alaskans and Moda Health has similar plans.

Premera Alaska had cancelled the plans for those 5,200 customers because the plans did not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. But, after the Obama change of course after outrage over discontinuance of plans nationwide, Premera did an about face itself and re-instated those cancelled plans. Those customers need to extend their plans by the end of December according to Premera.

Oregon-based Moda Helath has announced similar plans.

Alaska’s Senator Mark Begich, who was targetted recently by the Koch Brothers for his support of President Obama’s Health Care plan, welcomed the news from the two insurers. Begich was criticized in an ad earlier this month by the Maryland-based actress, Connie Bowman, who portrayed an Alaskan in the Koch commercial.

Begich said of the extensions on Tuesday, “After months of putting pressure on the administration, as well as hearing from frustrated consumers, I am pleased to hear Alaskans will have the option to stay on their current plan if they like it, or switch to a new plan where they may qualify for subsidies to lower monthly payments. I’m pleased to see Premera and Moda act swiftly to extend cancelled plans to thousands of Alaskans for another year as Alaskans learn more about their health coverage options. As I have said in the past, this law is not perfect which is why I have worked to make positive changes. I will continue to hold the administration and insurance companies accountable as I have been to get the website functioning and improve the law for all Americans.”

Premera still has not announced any rate increases, although it is likely that the rates will increase, as they normally do every year. Premera also stated that their customers also have the option of purchasing new coverage at healthcare.gov, where they can qualify for subsidies to help pay for their insurance.