H.B. No. 3211 aims to enhance the participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in vision care or managed care plans by amending the Insurance Code. The bill introduces Section 1451.1545, which mandates that vision care plan issuers provide a method on their websites for optometrists to apply for inclusion as participating providers. The application process must be standardized and equitable for all applicants. Additionally, the bill requires issuers to respond to applications within specified timeframes, ensuring that credentialed optometrists are included in the plans promptly. It also prohibits issuers from excluding optometrists based on the number of providers in a geographic area or patient access issues.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 1451.155 to require contracts between managed care plans and optometrists to include electronic access to detailed fee schedules for covered services. It also modifies Section 1451.157 to prohibit the use of extrapolation in audits of optometrists, ensuring that any financial adjustments are based on actual payments rather than estimates. The changes are designed to create a more transparent and fair process for optometrists seeking to participate in vision care plans, ultimately improving access to vision care for patients. The provisions of this act will apply to contracts entered into or renewed after its effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1451.157 (Insurance Code 1451)
House Committee Report: Insurance Code 1451.153, Insurance Code 1451.155, Insurance Code 1451.157 (Insurance Code 1451)
Engrossed: Insurance Code 1451.155, Insurance Code 1451.157 (Insurance Code 1451)
Senate Committee Report: Insurance Code 1451.155, Insurance Code 1451.157 (Insurance Code 1451)
Enrolled: Insurance Code 1451.155, Insurance Code 1451.157 (Insurance Code 1451)