Bill > H4135

This bill establishes new regulations for vision care insurance plans in South Carolina, defining key terms like "vision care provider" (ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians) and "vision care insurance plan" (health plans providing vision care benefits). The bill requires these plans to provide several consumer and provider protections, including allowing providers to opt out of exclusive supplier agreements without penalties, permitting consumers to obtain products from out-of-network suppliers if in-network options are unavailable, and maintaining a responsive customer service phone line. Vision care insurance plans must disclose coverage details in plain language, provide real-time benefit information, make coverage available to all providers, and maintain updated online provider directories. The bill also prohibits plans from restricting providers' ability to discuss healthcare information or cost-effective alternatives, and from penalizing providers who exercise their rights under this law. Additionally, the bill gives insured individuals the right to purchase lenses and frames separately without being forced to bundle them under a single coverage limit. The legislation will take effect upon the Governor's approval, aiming to increase transparency, flexibility, and consumer choice in vision care insurance.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4135&session=126&summary=B