Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., along with Congressman Jim Renacci (R-OH), introduced the Protecting Consumer Access to Vision Care Act of 2017 today. This bill would provide relief from the health insurance tax (HIT) for stand-alone vision plans under the Affordable Care Act.

"As a doctor, I know how important eye health is to whole health. 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," said Rep. Bera.

"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 Rep. 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."

Stand-alone vision plans cover routine eye exams and are critical in revealing other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, tumors, and undiagnosed strokes. The health insurance tax can place an undue burden on vision plans, leading to higher prices and limited eye care.

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