NC H511

Prohibits insurers and health benefit plans from limiting or fixing the fees that optometrists may charge patients for vision services or materials unless those services or materials are covered under the plan's reimbursement policy.

Defines "covered services" as services eligible for reimbursement without regard to deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, waiting periods, frequency limitations, or other contractual restrictions.

Defines "materials" to include lenses, contact lenses, lens coatings and treatments, prisms, orthoptics, vision training, and prosthetic eye devices.

Applies to agreements between insurers and optometrists for preferred or in-network vision services under stand-alone vision plans, medical plans, or health insurance policies.

Becomes effective October 1, 2013, and applies to contracts entered into, amended, or renewed on or after that date.