MA H280

Mandates insurance coverage for vision screenings conducted within 12 months prior to a child entering kindergarten, as required under existing state education law (Chapter 71, Section 57)

Requires comprehensive eye examinations by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for children who fail the vision screening or are diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delay, with parents choosing the provider

Applies to multiple insurance types: Group Insurance Commission (state employees), MassHealth/Medicaid, commercial insurers, hospital service plans (Blue Cross), medical service plans (Blue Shield), and HMOs

Vision screenings must be conducted by personnel approved by the Department of Public Health using techniques developed in consultation with the Department of Education

Exempts contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other government programs from the HMO coverage requirement