Joint Statement from the American Optometric Association and VSP
October 27, 2009The AOA and Vision Service Plan (VSP) have confirmed that both organizations are committed to expanded access to eye care, and to holding the President and Congressional leaders to their promise, made at the outset of the national debate over health care reform legislation, to ensure that Americans who want to keep their existing coverage and doctor in place will be able to do so. Both organizations recognize that with Congress still considering various bills it is difficult to predict the overall and long-term effect of health care legislation on doctors of optometry and the patients they serve.
However, both VSP and AOA recognize the importance of including provider non-discrimination provisions that will safeguard patient access to optometric care in any health care bill. VSP and AOA have agreed to work together in the coming weeks in an effort to increase support in Congress for the Harkin Provider Non-Discrimination Amendment and the Ross Patient Access to Care Amendment. AOA and VSP leaders expect future meetings and telephone conference calls to be scheduled and held whenever necessary to discuss common interests.
