Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3211

Filed
2/24/25  
Out of House Committee
4/10/25  
Voted on by House
5/5/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/19/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/20/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to vision care benefits, including participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in vision care or managed care plans.

Impact

The implications of HB 3211 are significant for state laws governing healthcare. By revising the requirements for optometrist participation in vision care plans, it seeks to foster a more competitive environment for service providers, potentially leading to improved care delivery and reduced costs for patients accessing vision care. The bill also emphasizes prohibiting payment based on extrapolation during audits, thereby ensuring any reimbursements are grounded in actual claims processing, which could enhance financial transparency within the profession.

Summary

House Bill 3211 focuses on improving access to vision care benefits by establishing protocols for the participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in managed care plans. This legislation mandates that vision care plan issuers create a streamlined application process for optometrists seeking to become participating providers, thereby ensuring equal treatment for all applicants. The bill aims to address issues regarding credentialing, transparency in fee schedules, and standards for care, all aimed at enhancing patient access to necessary vision care services.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 3211 was generally supportive among healthcare providers and advocates for enhanced access to vision care. Supporters argue that the legislation will help eliminate barriers that have previously limited optometrists' participation in managed care, which could lead to better patient outcomes and higher overall satisfaction with vision care services. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders about the potential for increased operational burdens on vision care plans and the adequacy of new standards for quality assurance.

Contention

Notable points of contention during discussions around HB 3211 included the balance between managing costs within vision care plans and ensuring sufficient access for patients. Some critics raised concerns that while the bill promotes inclusion, it could inadvertently lead to financial strain on smaller optometry practices if reimbursement rates are not adequately adjusted to account for increased participation. The overall discourse highlighted the challenge of reforming healthcare access while maintaining financial sustainability and quality of care.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Insurance Code

  • Chapter 1451. Access To Certain Practitioners And Facilities
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 153
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 157
    • Section: 153
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 157
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 157
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 157
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 157
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 155
    • Section: 157

Companion Bills

TX SB2573

Identical Relating to the participation of optometrists and therapeutic optometrists in managed care plans providing vision benefits.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1696

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists and therapeutic optometrists.

TX SB860

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

TX HB4377

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

TX SB861

Relating to coordination of vision and eye care benefits under certain health benefit plans and vision benefit plans.

TX HB1322

Relating to coordination of vision and eye care benefits under certain health benefit plans and vision benefit plans.

TX SB1239

Relating to reimbursement rates for eye health care services providers participating in the Medicaid managed care program.

TX HB3778

Relating to reimbursement rates for eye health care services providers participating in the Medicaid managed care program.

TX HB3800

Relating to the participation of campus-based mental health professionals in certain managed care plans.

TX HB4300

Relating to expedited credentialing of certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses by managed care plan issuers.

TX HB5233

Relating to expedited credentialing for licensed behavior analysts providing services under a managed care plan.

Similar Bills

TX HB1696

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists and therapeutic optometrists.

TX SB860

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

TX HB2960

Relating to the relationship between managed care plans and optometrists, therapeutic optometrists, and ophthalmologists.

TX SB1242

Relating to certain provisions applicable to an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or ophthalmologist providing services under a managed care plan.

TX HB2299

Relating to certain provisions applicable to an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or ophthalmologist providing services under a managed care plan.

TX HB1203

Relating to expedited credentialing for certain podiatrists and therapeutic optometrists providing services under a managed care plan.

TX SB365

Relating to expedited credentialing for certain podiatrists and therapeutic optometrists providing services under a managed care plan.