What is the Alaska Commercial Fishermens Fund?
The Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Fund was established in 1951 to provide for the treatment and care of an Alaska licensed commercial fisherman whose injury or illness is “directly connected” to his operations as a fisherman on shore or off shore in Alaska. The Fund is not an insurance program, but an emergency fund payer of last resort. Benefits are awarded “only” after other coverage is “fully” considered from private health or vessel insurance, and public programs except Medicaid. Benefits for “contractual services” provided for the Indian Health Service (IHS) are considered when an appropriate “letter of denial” is received. “Direct services” provided at IHS medical facilities are not eligible for benefits. Benefits from the Fund are financed from $18 and $54 received, respectively, from each resident and nonresident commercial fisherman’s license/permit fee. For additional information pertaining to the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Fund go here (link to the Department of Labor).
