Vision Care Plan Coverage, 23 CAR pt. 142

23 CAR pt 142 must be updated to comply with Act 142 of 2025.

A public hearing was held on this rule on April 17, 2026. The department held two public comment periods on this rule. The first public comment period expired on April 27, 2026. The department received the following comments and provided the following responses during the first public comment period: Commenter’s Name: Marsha Dickerson COMMENT: The simplest and most effective solution to many current problems in vision claim processing is to require that all claims be filed through the patient’s primary insurance company portal whenever that insurer advertises or offers those benefits. The primary insurer should process the claim and coordinate internally with subcontracted vendors. 6 Patients should also be able to see the optometrist closest to them without being directed to specific network providers. There should be clearly defined procedure and/or diagnosis codes that specifically identify a routine vision exam to eliminate confusion. This would reduce confusion and improve access to care in rural Arkansas. RESPONSE: These changes are beyond the scope of this rule. Commenter’s Name: Julie Dolven, O.D., President, Arkansas Optometric Association COMMENT: Comment is favorable and

• Rule packet: E.2.a. DOC SID Vision Care Plan Coverage and Acts 2025 No 142
• ALC summary agenda Aug 20, 2026
• ALC agenda Aug 20, 2026
• ALC meeting video Aug 20, 2026
• Arkansas Register, September 2026