Bill 2331

                    Current Status

Bill Number:               2331
Ratification Number:       104
Act Number:                66
Introducing Body:          House
Subject:                        Discrimination in the rates and
                           benefits of accident and health insurance
                           policies

(A66, R104, H2331)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 38-35-90, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO DISCRIMINATION IN THE RATES CHARGED AND BENEFITS OF ACCIDENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT LICENSED OPTOMETRISTS MAY NOT BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Discrimination prohibited

SECTION 1. Section 38-35-90 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 38-35-90. Discrimination between individuals of the same class in the amount of premiums or rates charged for any policy of insurance covered by this chapter, in the benefits payable thereon, in any of the terms or conditions of the policy or in any other manner whatsoever is prohibited. Whenever any policy of insurance governed by this chapter provides for payment or reimbursement for any service which is within the scope of practice of a licensed podiatrist, licensed oral surgeon, or licensed optometrist, the insured or other person entitled to benefits under the policy is entitled to payment of or reimbursement in accordance with the usual and customary fee for services whether the services be performed by a licensed physician or a licensed podiatrist, a licensed oral surgeon, or a licensed optometrist, notwithstanding any provision contained in the policy; and the policyholder, insured, or beneficiary has the right to choose the provider of the services."

Time effective

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon approval by the Governor.