NC S644

Prohibits insurers and standalone vision insurance plans from limiting or fixing the fees optometrists may charge for services unless those services are covered and reimbursed under the contract.

Applies the existing restriction on dental fee-setting to vision services, extending protections previously granted to dentists to optometrists.

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

Defines "materials" as lenses, contact lenses, prisms, orthoptics, vision training, and prosthetic devices used to correct or treat eye defects or conditions.

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