NW Kentucky News

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer has requested information from the Department of Justice regarding the consolidation in vision care markets. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Comer seeks a briefing and documents to assess how this consolidation affects consumer costs and choices.

"The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is continuing its oversight of the impact consolidation in vision care markets has had on consumers," stated Chairman Comer. He expressed concerns that the market consolidation might lead to increased costs for patients and fewer options.

Reports indicate that two companies dominate 85 percent of the market share for stand-alone vision insurance plans. One company holds at least a plurality in 42 states, while another controls more than 75 percent in 28 states. This level of control raises significant concerns about consumer impact.

Vision Benefit Managers (VBMs) are noted for owning or affiliating with eyeglass manufacturers, laboratories, and retail locations employing eye care providers. Through these affiliations, VBMs have vertically integrated the supply chain for vision care. This integration enables them to offer favorable copays at their stores while charging higher rates to plan sponsors.

Chairman Comer highlighted similarities between these practices and those found in previous investigations into Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). "The Committee identified several examples of PBMs utilizing their position as middlemen...to steer patients to entities they own," he said, expressing concern that similar practices by VBMs could harm patients.

The full letter addressed to Attorney General Garland can be accessed online.