Get Clear About Vision Benefits

Many of us have delayed routine health care visits during the pandemic. But as COVID-19 case numbers go down, it’s a good idea to schedule all those routine visits you may have fallen behind on over the last two years. And this includes eye exams.

If you haven’t had your vision checked in a while, take advantage of your benefits and schedule your eye exam now.

In addition to the County’s vision insurance provider VSP, both medical insurance providers offer some vision coverage. So, it is clear to see that caring for your eyes has benefits!

VSP

If you are enrolled in vision coverage through the County’s vision insurance provider VSP, you can review a summary of benefits, locate an eye doctor and even find exclusive member extras including discounts on frames and contact lenses all on one webpage. VSP offers quite a few perks. Check out the offers here: VSP Special Offers on Glasses, Contacts, LASIK and more. There’s even a rebate program for eligible purchases that includes a $50 or $100 gift card when you select enhancements on your purchase of eligible frames.

Additional plan coverage questions and resources, visit VSP online or by calling 800-877-7195.

Whether you are enrolled in VSP or not, you also have options through the County medical plans.

Kaiser Permanente

There is no copay for HMO plan members for annual eye exams with a KP optometrist. For members with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), the copay is 10% of the office visit fee (the plan deductible does not apply).

After your eye exam, peruse KP’s optical centers that have over 1,000 frames to choose from with prices starting at $19, and frame and lens packages beginning at $69. KP opticians are available to assist you with frame styling. There’s free shipping for all eyewear orders. Learn more at kp2020.org.   

VEBA/UnitedHealthcare

County employees who elected medical coverage through UnitedHealthcare will need to check which plan they are currently enrolled in, as copays and out-of-pocket costs vary from plan to plan. All HMO plans include one free eye exam each calendar year.

For the UnitedHealthcare PPO plan, eye exams are available every two years and copays/coinsurance apply.

More information is available at www.myuhcvision.com.