The bill, S.B. No. 2573, aims to enhance the participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in managed care plans that provide vision benefits. It introduces a new section, 1451.1545, to the Insurance Code, which mandates that vision care plan issuers must provide a method on their websites for licensed optometrists and therapeutic optometrists to apply for inclusion as participating providers. The application process is designed to be standardized and equitable, requiring only specific information and imposing the same requirements on all applicants. Additionally, the bill stipulates that issuers must promptly deliver contracts to applicants who meet credentialing requirements and include them as participating providers within a specified timeframe.

Furthermore, the bill amends the definition of "vision care plan" in Section 1451.157(a)(2) to clarify that it refers to a managed care plan that offers limited-scope coverage for eye care expenses without comprehensive medical coverage. The changes enacted by this bill will only apply to contracts entered into or renewed after its effective date. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Insurance Code 1451.157 (Insurance Code 1451)