The proposed bill seeks to regulate vision benefit managers and amend existing laws related to 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, 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 coverage. Additionally, the bill outlines prohibited practices for provider agreements, preventing vision care providers from charging excessive fees for noncovered services and prohibiting insurers from using extrapolation in audits.

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 inclusion from another section. It clarifies that healthcare insurers include various entities, such as insurance companies and health maintenance organizations, and specifies that dental-only plans are included. The bill establishes 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)