The proposed bill seeks to regulate vision benefit managers and amend existing laws concerning vision care plans and healthcare contracting in Arkansas. It prohibits benefit reductions based on the existence of other insurance, specifically extending this protection to vision care. The bill introduces new definitions, including "vision benefit manager," and clarifies terms related to covered materials and services. It also ensures that contracts for individual accident and health insurance do not contain provisions that reduce benefits solely due to other insurance coverage. Additionally, the bill outlines prohibited practices for provider agreements, mandates that reimbursements for covered services meet or exceed Medicare rates, and emphasizes transparency and fairness in the relationships among insurers, vision benefit managers, and vision care providers.

Moreover, the bill amends the definition of "healthcare insurer" under the Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act by adding "a vision-only plan" to the list of included plans while removing it from the exclusions. It clarifies that healthcare insurers include various entities, such as insurance companies and health maintenance organizations, as well as dental-only plans. The bill establishes an effective date for its provisions, which will take effect upon the renewal of an enrollee's current health benefit plan, the initiation of a new contract with a vision care provider, or by January 1, 2026, ensuring timely implementation of the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
HB 1351: 23-85-132, 23-85-122, 23-99-1002, 23-99-301, 17-90-301, 17-91-101, 17-95-401, 23-99-1003, 23-99-1202(5), 23-99-1202(7)