HB 156 – Eyeglasses Exempt From Medicaid Capitation
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Allen McNeil (R – Moore), Rep. Donny Lambeth (R – Forsyth), Rep. Josh Dobson (R – Avery), Rep. William Brisson (D – Sampson)
*June 22, 2017 Update*
This bill was transformed into a new bill.
This new bill would require Medicaid Prepaid Health Plans (PHP) to obtain a license from the Department of Insurance. The bill outline the process for PHP licensing, continuing licensing, application fees, deposits, management agreements, investments, enforcement penalties, and fiduciary responsibilities. However, the bill does not include any of the Chapter 58 patient/and provider protections that were established in 2015.
NCMS is currently working to ensure that these protections are included as the bill moves forward.
In addition, this bill would make changes to the operation of food services at state properties and facilities.
Original Bill:
If passed, this bill would add an eye glass exemption to the Medicaid Reform packages passed in 2015 and refined in 2016. The Medicaid capitated contracts that would go into effect in 2019 would not be required to cover the fabrication of eyeglasses including complete eyeglasses, eyeglass lenses, and ophthalmic frames. This does not necessarily mean that eyeglasses would not be included in the services offered by NC Medicaid, but merely that the statewide plans managing physical health under capitated contracts would not be required to pay for them just as pharmaceuticals, dental and other services are exempted, but still covered.
House:
This bill received a favorable report in the House Health Committee on March 8, 2017.
This bill was heard in the House on March 8, 2017. This bill passed second reading with a vote of 113-4, and will now move to the Senate.
Senate:
This bill was referred to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee on March 9, 2017.
This bill was withdrawn from this Committee on March 16, 2017.
This bill was re-referred to the Senate Health Care Committee. If it is found favorable there, it will move to the Senate Rules and Operations Committee.
