(a) This chapter does not require and shall not be construed to require any insurance policy, plan, or contract to provide health care coverage for eye care. The provisions of this chapter are applicable only to those insurance policies, plans, or contracts which provide coverage for eye care.
(b) Insurers or other issuers of any insurance policy, plan, or contract which provides coverage for eye care shall continue to be able to establish and apply selection criteria and utilization protocols for health care providers as well as credentialing criteria used in the selection of providers.
(c) This chapter does not require and shall not be construed to require the coverage of eye care services by providers who are not designated as covered providers, or who are not selected as participating providers, by an insurance policy, plan, or contract, or the issuer thereof having a participating network of service providers. Provided, however, if eye care coverage is provided, reasonable efforts shall be made to include a sufficient number of qualified providers, including optometrists, to insure reasonable access to eye care services.
Structure Code of Alabama
Chapter 56 - Access to Eye Care Act.
Section 27-56-1 - Short Title.
Section 27-56-2 - Definitions.
Section 27-56-3 - Payment for Services.
Section 27-56-4 - Prohibited Activities.
Section 27-56-5 - Third-Party Payment.
Section 27-56-6 - When Provisions Applicable.
Section 27-56-7 - Applicability to Certain Providers.
Section 27-56-8 - Implementation of Coverage.
Section 27-56-9 - Scope of Practice.
Section 27-56-10 - Vision Care Providers - Contract Requirements; Rates; Reimbursements; Discounts.