Bill > S1716

This bill aims to improve health care coverage under vision plans by amending the Public Health Service Act. Specifically, the bill establishes new rules for limited scope vision plans and doctor of optometry agreements. Under the new provisions, initial agreements between doctors of optometry and health plans can last up to two years, with the potential for unlimited extensions, provided each extension is mutually accepted. The bill also prohibits health plans from directly or indirectly restricting doctors of optometry's choice of laboratories, service sources, or suppliers. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to annually notify states of their authority to enforce these new provisions and to determine whether states will do so. If a state declines to enforce the provisions or fails to respond within 90 days, the federal government may step in. A key aspect of the bill is its protection of state-level authority, ensuring that existing state laws governing health insurance issuers and vision benefit plans remain in effect when they conflict with the new federal amendments. The bill defines a "doctor of optometry" as a professional legally authorized to practice in their state, thus ensuring that only licensed professionals are covered by these new regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1716/all-info