Support AB448

Push Back Against VBMs' Outsized Influence and Support AB448 Today

More than three million patients in Nevada rely on state doctors of optometry for their comprehensive eye health and vision needs, yet vision benefit managers’ (VBM) outsized influence impacts patient choice and access and, overall, the doctor-patient relationship. Important legislation in states across the country, including Texas and Arkansas, is critical to ensure VBMs offer contract terms that are fair for providers and benefits that are appealing for patients via provisions that seek to rebalance the relationship among plans, patients and their doctors.

Nevada AB448 builds on the Nevada Optometric Association’s (NOA’s) efforts in 2023 and is necessary legislation designed to protect patient choice. It would also establish stronger contract protections, ensuring that VBMs cannot unilaterally alter agreements to the detriment of providers, and protect patient choice by preventing VBMs from steering enrollees toward corporate-owned providers or requiring doctors to use specific suppliers for materials.

Thanks to successful advocacy efforts by NOA leadership and doctors, AB448 unanimously passed through the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee. The bill goes before the Nevada Senate Committee on Health and Human Services on Thursday, May 15—but powerful opposition is working to stop it from reaching a vote. 

NOA leadership are actively working in Carson City to continue AB448’s momentum, and we need all Nevada doctors, staff and patients to call AND write to the Nevada Senate Committee on Health and Human Services representatives to ensure the bill heads to a vote after the hearing. Use these instructions to make your voice heard by Thursday, May 15.  

Call-In Instructions 

Email Instructions 

Time is short—please act now and encourage colleagues, staff and patients to do the same. 

Why does this matter?
Legislators consider public opinion when making decisions. Your participation and support can make a difference to rebalance the power between doctors and vision plans.

Don’t wait—reach out by Thursday, May 15!

Stay tuned for more information and how you can get involved in supporting AB448.