Arkansas House Bill HB1353

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 2/3/25
• Report Pass: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Report Pass: 2/18/25
• Enrolled: 2/20/25
• Chaptered: 2/25/25
• Passed: 2/25/25

Caption

To Regulate A Vision Benefit Manager; To Amend The Vision Care Plan Act Of 2015; To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB1353 could significantly affect the operations of insurers, vision benefit managers, and vision care providers in the state. By preventing vision benefit managers from using unfair practices such as steering enrollees to specific providers or using extrapolation in audits, the bill seeks to enhance consumer protection. These regulations could promote a more competitive marketplace for vision care services, ensuring that providers are treated equitably and reimbursed fairly. The ultimate goal is to improve access and affordability of vision care for enrollees.

Summary

House Bill 1353 aims to regulate vision benefit managers and amend existing legislation relating to vision care plans and healthcare contracting in Arkansas. The bill is designed to amend the Vision Care Plan Act of 2015 and the Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act. Through these amendments, HB1353 intends to establish clearer guidelines for vision benefit managers and ensure that reimbursement practices are fair and transparent for vision care providers. It focuses on prohibiting certain practices that may limit enrollees' choices and rights in their vision care services.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of the bill. Stakeholders could have differing opinions on the extent of regulations imposed on vision benefit managers and insurers, particularly regarding administrative burdens and costs associated with compliance. Some may argue that the regulations strip necessary flexibility from these entities, which could lead to higher prices or reduced service levels for consumers. The discussions around this bill highlight the balance needed between regulation and the operational freedom of vision care providers and insurers.