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HB 1351

TO REGULATE A VISION BENEFIT MANAGER; TO AMEND THE VISION CARE PLAN ACT OF 2015; AND TO AMEND THE HEALTHCARE CONTRACTING SIMPLIFICATION ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 31 co-sponsors

HB 1351 aimed to enhance consumer protections in vision care by regulating benefit managers, preventing benefit reductions, and clarifying roles for providers and insurers.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1351

Summary of House Bill 1351

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1351
  • Title: To Regulate a Vision Benefit Manager; To Amend the Vision Care Plan Act of 2015; and To Amend the Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act
  • Status: Withdrawn by Author
  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1351 aimed to regulate vision benefit managers and amend existing legislation related to vision care plans and healthcare contracting in Arkansas. The bill sought to enhance consumer protections and clarify the roles and responsibilities of various entities involved in providing vision care benefits.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several amendments to existing laws, including:

  1. Prohibition on Benefit Reductions:

    • The bill sought to prevent contracts for individual accident and health insurance from reducing benefits solely due to the existence of other insurance coverage. This would ensure that individuals receive the full benefits they are entitled to without penalties from overlapping insurance policies.

  2. Definitions and Clarifications:

    • The bill included updated definitions for terms related to vision care, such as "covered materials," "covered services," and "vision benefit manager." This aimed to provide clarity on what constitutes vision care benefits and the roles of different entities involved.

  3. Regulation of Fees:

    • It proposed restrictions on the fees that vision care providers could charge for noncovered services or materials, ensuring that these fees do not exceed the provider's normal rates.

  4. Implementation Rules:

    • The bill authorized the Insurance Commissioner to issue rules for implementing these provisions, including guidelines on benefit reductions and proofs of eligibility for benefits.

Affected Parties

  • Consumers: Individuals enrolled in vision benefit plans would benefit from clearer protections and potentially improved access to vision care services.
  • Vision Care Providers: Optometrists and other vision care professionals would be impacted by the regulations on fees and the requirements for participating provider agreements.
  • Insurance Companies and Vision Benefit Managers: These entities would need to adjust their practices to comply with the new regulations and definitions outlined in the bill.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 31, 2025: HB 1351 was filed.
  • February 3, 2025: The bill was read for the first time, rules were suspended, and it was referred to the Committee on Insurance & Commerce - House.
  • February 4, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author before further consideration.

Conclusion

While HB 1351 was withdrawn shortly after its introduction, the bill's intent to regulate vision benefit managers and amend existing laws reflects ongoing efforts to improve the landscape of vision care in Arkansas. The proposed changes aimed to enhance consumer protections and clarify the roles of various stakeholders in the vision care industry.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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