Health Insurance - Vision Benefits - Regulation of Insurers and Vision Benefit Managers

HB 1603 establishes new regulations for vision benefit plans and discount plans in Maryland. It requires insurers and vision benefit managers to disclose specific information (like legal name, addresses, and regulatory oversight) on their websites and in communications. The bill also sets rules for contracts with eye care providers (optometrists and ophthalmologists), prohibits certain restrictive contract terms, and mandates fair reimbursement procedures. These changes directly affect insurers, vision benefit managers, and eye care providers participating in vision benefit programs. The bill repeals an existing section and adds new sections (15-2201-15-2213) to Maryland’s Insurance Article.