CT SB00838

Vision plan contracts with optometrists or ophthalmologists entered into, renewed, or amended on or after January 1, 2020 cannot require providers to accept insurer-set payment amounts for uncovered services, procedures, or products.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists cannot charge more for uncovered services, procedures, or products than their usual and customary rates for those items.

Vision plan evidence of coverage documents must include a statement informing patients that uncovered services may be charged at usual and customary rates and that providers should offer a treatment plan with estimated costs before providing uncovered services.

Optometrists and ophthalmologists must post a notice stating that uncovered services, procedures, or products might not be offered at a discounted rate.

The requirements do not apply to self-insured plans, collective bargaining agreements, multiemployer plans, or networks of providers servicing those plans.