SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 3707, a measure backed by the Illinois Optometric Association that seeks to increase transparency, strengthen consumer protections and add accountability requirements in the vision benefits market.
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The legislation, approved by both chambers on May 31, updates Illinois’ Vision Care Plan Regulation Act and now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker for consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Supporters said the bill responds to concerns from patients and eye care providers about transparency, contracting practices and reimbursement methods.
“Too often, patients are left navigating confusing benefit structures and unexpected costs,” said Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, the bill’s sponsor. “SB 3707 puts consumers first by increasing transparency, protecting access to lower-cost options for care, and ensuring Illinois patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about their eye health.”
The Illinois Optometric Association praised the bill’s passage, saying it would establish safeguards for providers and patients.
“Eye doctors are on the front lines of patient care, and they deserve a fair and transparent system that allows them to focus on their patients,” said Dr. Clint Taylor, president of the Illinois Optometric Association. “This legislation establishes important safeguards against unfair business practices, increases transparency, and helps preserve access to local eye care for Illinois families.”
Among its provisions, SB 3707 would require greater disclosure of provider agreements, policies and fee schedules. It also would prohibit reimbursement methods that impose transaction fees, including virtual credit cards.
The bill also would allow patients to choose a lower-cost cash-pay option when it is less expensive than using their vision benefit and would require clear disclosure of copays, cost-sharing and patient financial responsibility before services are provided.
In addition, the measure clarifies that services and materials remain covered benefits even when deductibles, copays or coinsurance apply. It would prevent vision plans from requiring providers to participate in discount plans as a condition of network participation.
Other provisions would provide anti-retaliation protections for providers who report violations or communicate with regulators, legislators or professional associations, strengthen consumer protections against unfair and deceptive practices, and prohibit vision plans from requiring providers to grant a security interest in their practice, property or business assets.
