An Act Concerning Contracts Between Health Insurers, Optometrists And Ophthalmologists.
The enactment of HB 07173 is poised to significantly alter the landscape of patient-provider interactions in dental and optical healthcare. It enhances transparency for patients by mandating that providers disclose treatment plans and expected costs before delivering services that fall outside of coverage. This shift will empower patients with more information, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their care.
House Bill 07173, which pertains to contracts between health insurers and dental as well as optical providers, aims to clarify the payment structure for services not covered by plans. Starting January 1, 2020, the bill prohibits health insurers from requiring dentists and optometrists to accept predetermined payments for non-covered services. This change is rooted in the intention of ensuring that dental and optical patients are charged the usual and customary rates by their service providers.
Public and professional sentiment surrounding HB 07173 appears to be generally positive, particularly among healthcare providers. Supporters believe it upholds patient autonomy and supports dental and optical providers in their service delivery. Some stakeholders argue that the bill promotes fair practices in billing for non-covered services, thereby increasing trust between patients and providers.
Despite its positive reception, the bill has faced scrutiny regarding its potential impacts. Critics express concerns that without the systematic regulation of fees for non-covered services, there could be a rise in costs for patients who are already vulnerable. They fear that the removal of payment controls might lead to unanticipated financial burdens for those requiring out-of-pocket healthcare.