As announced in a recent post (see “Remove These Chains”), Texas is the first state to push through legislation that eliminates the ability of vision plans to require pricing concessions (discounts) on services and products for which the plans do not reimburse (ex. second pair discounts). This is a HUGE step in recapturing the ECP’s brand and control over your practice. Now Maryland has followed suit.
As a demonstration of the power of this legislation, here is an announcement from the TOA regarding EyeMed’s recent move. Congratulations!
EyeMed Contracting Update
Tommy Lucas, OD, TOA Legislative Chair
Some Texas optometrists received a new provider contract from EyeMed last month with an acceptance deadline of Friday, July 12th, 2013.
This provider contract reflects certain changes to EyeMed’s vision benefit plans and policies, but does not reflect changes that will be required for contracts offered after January 1st, 2014 as a result of the legislature’s passing of SB 632, discussed here.
The Texas Optometric Association has communicated to EyeMed the importance of presenting contracting terms that will be in compliance with Texas law soon to be in effect.
As a result, EyeMed has advised the TOA that it is developing a contract addendum for those optometrists who have already received provider contracts, and those optometrists will have the opportunity to delay responding beyond the July 12th, 2013 deadline after receiving the addendum.
