MD HB1603

Creates new Subtitle 22 in Maryland Insurance Article establishing comprehensive requirements for insurers and vision benefit managers that issue vision benefit plans, vision benefit discount plans, or provide vision coverage under health benefit plans

Mandates transparency disclosures on company websites including legal name, addresses, regulatory authorities, parent/subsidiary companies, litigation history from the past 5 years, and formal complaints filed with the Administration

Requires provider agreements to include complete fee schedules specifying allowed amounts and reimbursements for each covered service/material, and prohibits contracts that would force providers to deliver services at a financial loss or restrict their choice of suppliers and laboratories

Prohibits insurers from requiring prior authorization for covered vision services, altering billing codes submitted by providers (downcoding/bundling), using extrapolation in audits, or offering varying incentives to steer enrollees toward affiliated retailers

Establishes credentialing timelines requiring insurers to complete determinations within 30 business days, provide 90 days for providers to execute agreements, and allows eye care providers to sue for damages up to $10,000 per violation, with the Act taking effect January 1, 2027