Date: 04/02/2015
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB15-1297
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, INSURANCE, & ENVIRONMENT
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01:37 PM -- HB 15-1297
Representative McCann explained the agenda for the meeting. She stated that the committee would hear testimony from Robert Holden, National Association of Vision Care Plans, on House Bill 15-1297, concerning unfair business practices within vision insurance plans, which the committee heard testimony on at its March 31, 2015, meeting. She said that after Mr. Holden's testimony the bill would be laid over until later in the meeting for additional testimony and action.
01:38 PM -- Robert Holden, National Association of Vision Care Plans, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed the benefits that vision plans provide. He referenced the essential health benefits that require pediatric vision services under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. He discussed the prices and discounts for eyeglasses. Mr. Holden shared his concerns about the bill. Mr. Holden answered questions about vision plans, credentialing requirements for optometrists, and the requirement for optometrists to use certain out-of-state laboratories for eyeglasses.
02:01 PM
The committee members continued to dialogue with Mr. Holden about vision plans, why optometrists would choose to contract with a vision plan, and the bill. Mr. Holden responded to questions about similar legislation introduced and enacted in other states.
02:20 PM
Discussion between the committee members and Mr. Holden ensued.
02:33 PM
Representative McCann laid the bill over until later in the meeting.