NC S477

Prohibits insurers and vision insurance entities from requiring optometrists to charge fixed or limited fees for vision services or materials unless those services or materials are covered and reimbursed under the insurance contract.

Defines "covered services" as those for which reimbursement is available without regard to deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, waiting periods, frequency limits, or other contractual limitations.

Defines "materials" to include lenses, contact lenses, lens coatings and treatments, prisms, vision training, orthoptics, and prosthetic devices for correcting or treating eye defects or abnormalities.

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

Effective October 1, 2014, for contracts entered into, amended, or renewed on or after that date.