Cramer, Murphy Introduce Bill to Improve Vision Care Quality, Protect Consumer Choice

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Two thirds of Americans with vision benefits receive coverage from one of two Vision Benefits Managers (VBMs). As a result, VBMs often own frame and lens manufacturers while also controlling the labs an optometrist can use.

To combat the potential for anti-competitive behavior and lower costs for patients and doctors, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) introduced the Vision Lab Choice Act. The bill prohibits insurance plans from requiring doctors to use labs owned by the insurer and provides additional contract flexibility for optometric practices.

Specifically, the Vision Lab Choice Act limits contracts between vision care providers and insurers for limited-scope vision benefits to two-year terms and prohibits health plans from restricting or limiting doctors' choice of laboratories and sources or suppliers of vision materials provided to patients.

"Vision Benefit Managers are often a hurdle to optometrists and eye care specialists providing the best care to their patients," said Cramer. "Our bipartisan bill expands consumer choice for patients, ensures autonomy for providers, and allows optometrists to select the best labs and suppliers to meet the needs of their practice."

The bill is endorsed by the American Optometric Association, Patients Rising, and National Consumers League.

Click here for bill text.