States to Determine Vision Care under Health Care Reform

"Since the passage of health reform (Affordable Care Act), many have wondered what would be covered in the benefits offered through the State Exchanges," reports the Huffington Post. "We have been reassured that the benefits that are "essential" would be comprehensive yet affordable. But essential to whom? What is an essential benefit and who gets to decide? Tough questions. No easy answers. Today HHS released a bulletin punting part of the issue to the States. States will have more "flexibility" to determine what is in the essential benefit package. Of course, not complete flexibility. These benefit plans MUST include, at least, the ten categories of benefits that are defined in the law." Vision care is included in those categories.