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 contracts, specifically extending this protection to vision care. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "vision benefit manager," and clarifies terms related to covered materials and services. It also establishes guidelines for provider agreements to prevent unfair restrictions on vision care providers regarding their practices and reimbursement rates. Additionally, the bill outlines prohibited practices for insurers and vision benefit managers, including the use of extrapolation in audits and steering enrollees towards specific providers, while mandating that reimbursements for covered services align with Medicare rates.

Moreover, the bill amends the definition of "healthcare insurer" under the Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act, introducing a vision-only plan as a new category while removing its previous exclusion. It clarifies that healthcare insurers include various entities such as insurance companies and health maintenance organizations. The bill also sets an effective date for its provisions, which will take effect upon the renewal of an enrollee's 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 1353: 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)
Act 142: 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)