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Tracking Key Federal Bills
UOA is actively involved in monitoring many Federal Bills. Some directly impact vision care and others have implications, positive or negative for vision care nationally. We’ve listed a few of these below and will continue to enhance these pages so that you can use your voice and help move these issues forward. Check back often for updates.
​Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (D-CT-05) introduced the See the Board Act, legislation directing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants available for nonprofit organizations that provide free, mobile vision services for students in public schools. This ACT aims to directly address the needs of students across the country, recognizing the persistent challenges faced by families in accessing affordable eye care. 
The EDVI ACT, introduced by Vision Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Gus Billarakis (R-FL 12), would establish the first national-level program in the United States specifically aimed at improving children’s vision and eye health.
In the United States, there is no program that specifically addresses children’s vision and eye health. The EDVI Act would change that by providing grants for states and communities to improve systems of care that will ensure that every child in the United States has the chance for early identification and intervention for potential vision problems.
Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, R-Ga., and Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., reintroduced the bipartisan DOC Access ACT to help lower dental and vision care costs and put control of important health care decisions back into the hands of patients and their doctors. The legislation addresses the increased consolidation and vertical integration among dental and vision insurance providers, which is leading to higher prices, fewer options for patients and providers, and diminished community access to needed care.
Sens. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., introduced the Vision Lab Choice Act addresses issues related to vertical business models (VBMs) in the vision care industry. The bill outlines provisions intended to address market dynamics, cost structures, and preserve decision-making power within the doctor-patient relationship The ACT complements House bill, H.R. 1521—the Dental and Optometric Care Access (DOC Access) Act—which also focuses on VBM-related reforms.
Introduced by Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA 26) House and would provide Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) coverage for dependent children up to age 26, instead of the current age limit of 22. The bill requires amendment of title 5 of the United States Code to extend this eligibility for coverage.