Bill > SB2703

This bill aims to ensure fair business practices and transparency for eye care services and materials by establishing new requirements for insurers and vision benefit managers, which are entities that administer vision plans or offer discounts for vision care. Key provisions include requiring these entities to publicly disclose detailed information about their business operations, legal standing, and any past litigation or complaints, and to provide at least 90 days' notice for any changes to provider agreements, fee schedules, or policy documents, with clear marking of all proposed amendments. The bill also mandates that insurers and vision benefit managers use standardized coding systems for covered services and materials, prohibits them from setting fees for services not covered by a plan, and ensures that reimbursements are not "nominal" (meaning they cover actual costs and a reasonable profit) and that providers can negotiate their own fee schedules. Furthermore, it prevents insurers and vision benefit managers from engaging in coercive tactics, such as forcing providers to join multiple plans as a condition of participation in one, and requires them to offer equal reimbursement to optometrists and ophthalmologists for services within their scope of practice. The bill also prohibits insurers and vision benefit managers from restricting a provider's choice of labs or suppliers, from using "extrapolation" (estimating audit findings for a larger group of claims based on a small sample) in audits, and grants eye care providers a private right of action to sue for damages and attorney fees if they are adversely affected by a violation. Finally, the Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance and the Attorney General are empowered to enforce these provisions, with penalties and remedies that are in addition to existing laws.

Business and Industry

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2703.xml