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SB 340 — Vision Care Plans
by Senators Latvala and Gaetz
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Banking and Insurance Committee (BI)
The bill prohibits an insurer, a prepaid limited health service organization (PLHSO), or a health maintenance organization (HMO) from requiring a licensed ophthalmologist or licensed optometrist to join a network solely for credentialing the licensee for another insurer’s, PLHSO’s, or HMO’s vision network, respectively. The bill does not prevent an insurer, PLHSO, or HMO from entering into a contract with another insurer’s, PLHSO’s, or HMO’s vision care plan to use the vision network.
Further, plans are prohibited from restricting a licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician to specific suppliers of material or optical labs. However, the bill provides that this provision does not restrict an insurer, PLHSO, or HMO in determining specific amounts of coverage or reimbursement for the use of network or out-of-network suppliers or labs. The bill provides that a knowing violation of either of these provisions, as described above, constitutes an unfair insurance trade practice under s. 626.9541(1)(d), F.S.
The bill also requires insurers, PLHSOs, and HMOs to update their online vision care network directory monthly to reflect currently participating providers in their respective network.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2016.
Vote: Senate 34-0; House 117-0