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News
Connecticut and Illinois just passed laws shaking up how eye care providers are paid and regulated. Connecticut now requires Medicaid to reimburse optometrists at the same rate as ophthalmologists for key services, while Illinois tightens oversight of vision benefits managers starting in 2027. Both moves reflect growing momentum to level the playing field for optometrists and protect patient access to eye care.
Connecticut and Illinois have each passed new laws aimed at fixing longstanding inequities in how eye care providers are paid and how vision insurance plans operate. In Connecticut, as of July 1, Medicaid must now reimburse optometrists at the same rate as ophthalmologists for comprehensive eye exams, refraction, and fundus photography — and this parity is locked in by law, not just a temporary fix. The push was backed by data showing optometrists handled 88.6% of Medicaid eye exams in 2025, yet weren't being paid equally for the same services.
Illinois took a different angle, amending its Vision Care Plan Regulation Act to rein in vision benefits managers. Starting January 1, 2027, plan administrators must share updated fee schedules every quarter, can't force providers into discount plans, and must allow doctors to offer cash payment options when that's cheaper for patients.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: These laws signal a broader national conversation about whether Medicaid and private vision plans are structured fairly — for both providers and patients. If other states follow suit, it could meaningfully expand access to eye care for underserved populations.
