Renacci Protects Consumers Access to Vision Care

Washington, D.C.-- Today, Congressman Jim Renacci (OH-16) along with Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7), introduced the Protecting Consumer Access to Vision Care Act of 2017. This bill would remove the health insurer fee for stand-alone vision plans (SAVPs) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

"Access to vision care is critical, especially for those 88 million Americans who are served by SAVPs, with over 4 million covered in Ohio alone. Since vision plans provide limited-scope health coverage, they are not subject to ACA market reforms and therefore should be exempt from other ACA taxes and fees", said Renacci. "In fact, unlike other traditional health insurance subject to the fee, SAVPs are excluded from being offered directly on the Exchanges per the ACA."

"As a doctor, I know how important eye health is to whole health," said Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. "This simple, bipartisan idea puts the patient first and helps keep care affordable for seniors and families. These fixes are exactly the kind of reform both Democrats and Republicans can get behind."

Access to vision care is not only necessary for those with poor or deteriorating eyesight, but the routine eye exams that SAVPs cover are often critical in revealing other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, tumors, and undiagnosed strokes. Vision plans, especially those which are smaller or not-for-profit, are crippled by this unduly fee that the consumer ultimately bears either in higher prices or a less robust or limited eye care benefit.

Read this original document at: http://renacci.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8B846698-4947-40AF-90AA-99E15726CF2C