(Press Release) A new proposed law regulating managed vision care has been pre-filed in the Florida Legislature (SB 340).
The bill has been introduced by State Senator Jack Latvala, who sponsored a previous MVC bill earlier in 2015. That legislation died during the legislative process, along with a corresponding identical bill in the Florida House of Representatives.
The scope of the new proposed bill is broader than the previously-introduced MVC legislation. In particular, the pre-filed version would prohibit a MVC plan from restricting an eye care professional’s choices of suppliers and optical laboratories. A MVC plan would, however, still be entitled to set differing reimbursement rates for out-of-network supplies and services.
It is important to note that the pre-filed version of the proposed bill may change substantially as the bill is introduced and moves through the legislative process. However, given the recent wave of similar laws, including in neighboring Alabama and Georgia, it is reasonable to expect MVC legislation to receive serious consideration in Florida. The Florida legislature will not convene until January 12, 2016.