Opinion: Health Reform Could Hinder Vision Benefits System
Although "the current health care system is broken and needs to be fixed," the U.S. vision insurance system is a "shining example upon which Congress should base the reforms they are now examining," argues Rob Lynch, president and CEO of the not-for-profit vision benefits plan VSP Global. Current reform proposals would eliminate stand-alone vision benefits plans -- which cover 100 million U.S. residents -- by requiring that eye care be bundled with medical insurance. Lynch concludes, "Killing stand-alone vision plans will decrease competition, increase taxes, increase costs and ultimately hinder Americans from receiving critical vision care."
- "Viewpoints: Health 'Reform' Imperils Vision Care" (Lynch, Sacramento Bee, 10/29).