SB0802 Summary

• Adds new Section 30(c-5) to the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act prohibiting health care plans from imposing requirements on licensed optometrists that are not required of other eye care providers as a condition of plan participation.

• Prohibits health care plans from reimbursing optometrists at rates lower than other licensed providers for equal services based on class of licensure.

• Requires all health care plans to inform plan participants at enrollment or renewal that they have the right to choose an optometrist as their medical eye care provider.

• Violations of these provisions are subject to penalties under the Managed Care Reform and Patient Rights Act.