Bill > S0402

This bill adds a new article to South Carolina's insurance code specifically regulating vision care insurance plans, establishing clear guidelines to protect consumers and vision care providers. The bill defines key terms like "vision care provider" (which includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians) and "vision care insurance plan," and then establishes several important requirements for these plans. Specifically, plans must allow providers to opt out of exclusive supplier agreements, provide coverage for out-of-network products when in-network options are unavailable, maintain a responsive customer service line, and disclose all coverage details in plain language. The bill also prohibits plans from restricting providers' ability to discuss healthcare information or cost alternatives with patients, and ensures that insureds can purchase lenses and frames separately without being forced to bundle them under a single coverage limit. Additionally, plans must update their online provider directories monthly and make coverage available to all vision care providers without arbitrary limitations. The legislation aims to increase transparency, flexibility, and consumer choice in vision care insurance, taking effect upon the Governor's approval.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0402&session=126&summary=B