HB 18-1012

HB 18-1012 is a Colorado law that protects eye care providers by preventing insurance companies from setting fees for services or requiring providers to charge less than their usual rates for non-covered services. It also stops insurers from forcing eye care providers to join multiple networks as a condition of participating in one network, and mandates that any changes to contracts between insurers and providers must be communicated clearly. This law is now signed into effect, meaning insurance companies and vision plan carriers are required to follow these rules when dealing with eye care providers.

Official Summary

The bill prohibits a carrier or entity that offers a vision care plan from requiring an eye care provider with whom the carrier or entity contracts to: Provide services or materials to a covered person at a fee set by, or subject to the approval of, the carrier or entity unless certain conditions are met; Charge a covered person for noncovered services or noncovered materials in any amount less than the usual and customary amount that the eye care provider charges individuals who do not have coverage for such materials and services; or Participate, as a condition of participation in a vision plan, in any of the carrier's or entity's other vision plan networks. The bill prohibits a carrier or entity from changing the terms of a contract between the carrier or entity and an eye care provider without communication with the eye care provider. The bill requires the commissioner of insurance to institute a corrective action plan or use any of the commissioner's enforcement powers against a carrier or entity that is not in compliance with the above requirements. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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