Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Health Care Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves rules for vision benefit managers after debate on market practices
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 13-53 to regulate vision benefit managers, a measure sponsors said will curb anti‑competitive practices by vertically integrated companies that control a large share of the market.
The Arkansas Senate on the floor approved House Bill 13-53 to establish state regulation for vision benefit managers (VBMs), a measure supporters said will protect patient choice and independent eye‑care providers from unfair practices.
Sen. Wallace, the bill’s sponsor in the Senate, told colleagues that two large companies own roughly 80% of the vision-benefit market and that vertical integration — where a company controls the plan, frames, lenses and in some cases providers — has harmed independent optometrists and ophthalmologists. Wallace said the bill aims to “level the playing field” and preserve patient access to local providers.
Sen. Mark Johnson asked whether VBMs operate similarly to pharmacy benefit managers; Wallace replied the model is similar in vertical integration but noted differences in market structure. Wallace said the bill received strong support in the House (96–1) and cleared the Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee.
The Senate roll call recorded 28 yays and 1 nay; the bill passed and will be returned to the House for further processing.
Supporters emphasized the bill addresses business practices that benefit integrated firms at the expense of small businesses and patient choice. The sponsor said more than 500 eye-care professionals in Arkansas would be affected and that committee testimony supported immediate consideration.
No floor amendments were recorded during the Senate consideration; the sponsor closed by asking for a favorable vote.
