Stand-alone vision plans have been barred from California’s Health Benefit Exchange, although such vision plans will be permitted to participate in a separate exchange being established for small businesses. VSP Global and Superior Vision Services, both based in Rancho Cordova, Calif., voiced their disagreement with the decision—and VSP even suggested that it might move out of state.

But in early October, California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones sent a letter to the benefit exchange board urging it to reverse its decision. He reasoned that improved access to health care and consumer choice make it appropriate to allow stand-alone vision coverage to be offered directly through the individual insurance exchange.

So VSP may not have to move out just yet... At its next meeting on October 30, the benefit exchange board will reconsider whether stand-alone vision plans will be permitted to participate directly in the individual insurance exchange.