AR HB1353

Prohibits vision benefit managers and insurers from setting fees for non-covered services/materials, requiring discounts on non-covered items, or providing only nominal reimbursement—covered services must be reimbursed at minimum the current Medicare rate

Bars vision plans from restricting providers' choice of optical labs, suppliers, or equipment, and prohibits varying reimbursement based on a provider's vendor choices, professional affiliations, or software systems

Prevents vision benefit managers from steering enrollees to particular providers or affiliated retail/online outlets, and requires neutral identification of participating providers without distinguishing based on discounts offered or purchasing volumes

Prohibits extrapolation in audits of vision care providers, requiring any payment adjustments to be based on actual over/underpayments after exhausting appeals

Requires providers be allowed to accept cash payments when less costly for enrollees, bans virtual credit card payment fees to providers, and protects provider reimbursement when eligibility was verified at time of service; effective January 1, 2026 or upon contract renewal/modification