HB256 Summary

• Expands the Access to Eye Care Act to apply to both public and private insurance policies, plans, contracts, and programs providing eye care coverage.

• Prohibits insurance policies and programs from requiring eye care providers to participate as a condition of receiving payment, and prohibits requiring providers to purchase minimum quantities of specified ophthalmic materials.

• Prohibits insurance policies and programs from requiring set fees for materials or services unless covered under the subscriber agreement, restricting lab selection, designating which insurance plan covers reimbursement, or imposing restrictions on noncovered products and services.

• Requires optometrists to receive the same annual deductibles and coinsurance as other eye care providers when eye care coverage is provided, and requires direct access to eye care providers without referral or preapproval requirements.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.