Imagine being able to compare the cost of a knee replacement across multiple insurers in Alaska — in seconds. The HPUD Snapshot Tool does exactly that, offering unprecedented access to health care claims data that was once locked behind institutional walls. If you’re a researcher, policymaker, or simply a curious Alaskan trying to understand your health care costs, this tool is worth your attention.
This article breaks down how the HPUD Snapshot Tool works, why it matters, and how to use it to make informed health care decisions — backed by transparent, publicly available data.
What Is the HPUD Snapshot Tool?
The HPUD Snapshot Tool is a publicly accessible online dashboard that summarizes data from the Alaska Health Payment Utilization Database (HPUD). Created by Onpoint Health Data and maintained in partnership with the Alaska Division of Insurance, the tool visualizes aggregated claims data from Medicaid, Medicare, and two commercial insurers: Moda Health Plan and Premera Blue Cross. Data from AlaskaCare will be integrated later this year.
Unlike traditional health care pricing tools, HPUD Snapshot presents:
- Real-world cost comparisons for common procedures
- Aggregated data across public and private payers
- Interactive visualizations powered by Tableau
You can explore the tool directly here: HPUD Snapshot Dashboard
Why HPUD Was Created: The Bigger Picture
The HPUD initiative was launched as a pilot project in response to rising health care costs and the lack of transparent, reliable data in Alaska. After failed legislative attempts to establish a full All-Payer Claims Database (APCD) — such as SB 93 and HB 113 in 2021 — state leaders pivoted to a more achievable alternative.
The Database’s Core Objectives:
- Aggregate meaningful claims data from multiple insurers
- Standardize health care cost metrics across providers
- Enable public access to accurate, privacy-safe information
- Support data-driven policymaking and consumer choice
Today, the HPUD Snapshot is a nearly complete realization of those goals, offering a rare level of transparency in health care.
What Makes HPUD Unique Compared to Other Tools?
Unlike national databases or private insurer comparison sites, HPUD is tailored to the specific health care landscape of Alaska. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. Alaska-Specific Focus
HPUD doesn’t rely on extrapolated national averages. It’s built using Alaska Medicaid and Medicare claims, and data from two key commercial insurers that operate in the state.
2. Public-Private Collaboration
The initiative is led by the Division of Insurance in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Division of Retirement and Benefits. This ensures regulatory oversight and relevance to public needs.
3. Privacy-First Design
All claims data is hashed and aggregated, maintaining HIPAA compliance and respecting proprietary data from payers.
4. Secure Data Enclave for Researchers
Onpoint Health Data also maintains a secure research-grade database — the Enclave — which supports deeper analysis for approved academic and policy research.
How to Use the HPUD Snapshot Tool
Navigating the HPUD Snapshot Tool is refreshingly intuitive. Here’s how to get started:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the Dashboard:
Alaska Health Payment and Utilization Database (HPUD) Snapshot - Choose a Procedure:
Use the dropdown to select a common medical service (e.g., colonoscopy, joint replacement). - Compare Costs by Payer Type:
View cost differences between Medicaid, Medicare, Moda Health, and Premera Blue Cross. - Interpret the Visuals:
Charts show median, mean, and range of payment values. Hover for detailed tooltips. - Download Data (Optional):
Export views for personal analysis or presentation use.
Practical Tip:
If you’re a policymaker or journalist, focus on services with the widest cost variation. This is where reform potential lies.
Real-World Use Cases
Example 1: A Patient Shopping for Surgery
An Anchorage resident considering knee replacement can use the HPUD Snapshot Tool to estimate how much the procedure costs across insurers — helping them make an informed financial choice.
Example 2: A Journalist Investigating Regional Disparities
A reporter writing about rural access to care might use the HPUD tool to highlight pricing disparities between Fairbanks and Juneau.
Example 3: A Policymaker Evaluating Cost Control
A state legislator can use HPUD data to identify which procedures contribute most to rising costs — and propose targeted reforms.
Limitations and Future Developments
While HPUD is a strong step toward full transparency, it’s important to understand its boundaries:
- No Self-Funded Plan Data: Large employer-sponsored health plans are not included.
- AlaskaCare Data Pending: Expected later in 2025.
- Not a Real-Time Feed: Updates are periodic and may lag behind real-world trends.
Looking ahead, the hope is that Alaska will continue building toward a comprehensive All-Payer Claims Database, unlocking even deeper insights.
Final Thoughts
The HPUD Snapshot Tool isn’t just another data dashboard. It represents a cultural shift toward data-driven, consumer-friendly health care in Alaska. For residents, it’s an opportunity to better understand — and perhaps even influence — the cost of their care. For decision-makers, it’s a critical resource in the fight to rein in unsustainable spending.
If you care about health care affordability, equity, or transparency, HPUD is a tool worth bookmarking.
For those interested in other types of public record access in Alaska, such as property ownership and historical land transfers, see our Alaska Deed Search Guide.
