Stay Updated on Your Optometric Legislation

Scope of practice - SB 622, COA’s scope of practice expansion measure, will be heard in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on June 21. COA lobbyists have been meeting with lawmakers in anticipation of the hearing.

Eyeglasses coverage - SB 1361, which would have restored eyeglass coverage for adult Medi-Cal beneficiaries if they have worse than 20/40 vision, has died due to its annual cost to the state of $70 million.

Eye drops refill – Co-sponsored by COA, AB 1831, which would require health plans to cover the cost of eye drops that are refilled early, has passed the  Assembly and is pending in the Senate. The California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons has joined COA as a co-sponsor in advocating for this measure.  

Medi-Cal rate increase - The governor's revised budget released in May does not include an increase in Medi-Cal reimbursement rates this year. While this continues to be a priority for COA, we don't expect any changes in the Medi-Cal rates this year.