\n(a) No agreement between an insurer or an entity that writes vision insurance and an optometrist for the provision of vision services on a preferred or in-network basis to plan members or insurance subscribers in connection with coverage under a stand-alone vision plan, a medical plan, or health insurance policy may require that an optometrist provide services or materials at a fee limited or set by the plan or insurer unless the services or materials are reimbursed as covered services under the contract.\n(b) For purposes of this section, 'covered services' means a service for which reimbursement is available under an insurer's policy without regard to contractual limitations by a deductible, co-payment, coinsurance, waiting period, annual or lifetime maximum, frequency limitation, alternative benefit payment, or other limitation. For purposes of this section, 'materials' includes lenses, devices containing lenses, prisms, lens treatments and coatings, contact lenses, orthoptics, vision training, and prosthetic her limitation. For purposes of this section, 'materials' includes lenses, devices containing lenses, prisms, lens treatments and coatings, contact lenses, orthoptics, vision training, and prosthetic devices to correct, relieve, or treat defects or abnormal conditions of the human eye or its adnexa. (2014-43, s. 1.)
North Carolina Legal Code