Senate committee advances bill aimed at limiting vision‑benefit managers' influence on providers

The Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee on Tuesday voted to advance House Bill 1353, a measure backers said would curb "steering" and anti‑competitive practices by vertically integrated vision benefit managers and protect patient choice and provider reimbursement.

Proponents said the bill would require more equitable treatment of eye‑care providers in networks and bar plans from forcing providers to accept ‘‘nominal or de minimis’’ reimbursement below current calendar‑year Medicare rates for covered services and materials. "Remember, 27 states have passed laws concerning this issue," said Senator Wallace in opening remarks about the bill.

The bill's supporters included two practicing optometrists who described local impacts. Joe Sugg, an optometrist representing the Arkansas Optometric Association, told the committee HB 1353 would "ensure the patient's choice and access to eye care while leveling the playing field between the large vertically integrated vision benefit managers and our small business owners." Matt Jones, an optometrist who practices in Blytheville and surrounding communities, said the market has consolidated and that reimbursements have not risen in decades: "For 30 years now, their profit has grown substantially," Jones said, arguing that the resulting contracts leave small providers with no negotiating power.

Supporters…