As an employee covered under a vision benefit plan, it is important to know and understand how to maximize your benefits. The benefit plan is not just a perk, but something that can help take care of your eye health and reduce out-of-pocket costs. In this blog post, we will discuss some essential tips on how to make the most of your vision benefits.
Know Your Benefits
Before you schedule an appointment with an eye doctor, review your vision benefit plan and understand what is covered. Are there limits on the number of visits or types of eyewear? If you are not sure how to read and interpret your benefits, contact your human resources department or the insurer’s customer service team for assistance.
Many people don’t realize a pair of glasses actually utilizes two benefits in a vision plan – lenses and frames. Typically lenses can be replaced every twelve months whereas frames are typically every 24 months. If your prescription changes, you don’t necessarily need to buy new frames, you can just replace the lenses and save some money. In addition, you can typically use your benefits for prescription sunglasses, so if you don’t need new glasses in a plan year consider utilizing your coverage for some sunglasses which are an important part of eye health.
Proper Utilization
Once you know your benefits, use them wisely. Most vision benefit plans cover routine eye exams, prescription glasses, contacts, and even some surgeries. Avoid overspending by sticking to your plan allowances and only getting the necessary services. Also, opt for in-network providers as they usually offer lower rates and less paperwork hassles.
Keeping it in the Plan Year Matters
Vision benefit plans often run on a calendar year (January-December), and any unused benefits do not roll over to the next year. That means if you don’t use them, you lose them. To fully leverage your plan, consider scheduling routine eye exams early in the year to identify any potential eye health issues, and purchase any new eyewear or contacts before the year ends.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Some vision benefit plans offer discounts on additional products and services not covered under the typical plan. For example, a plan may provide discounts on laser vision correction, vision therapy, or other specialty eyewear. These discounts can be a significant saving on top of the primary benefits, so ask your provider if any are available.
Eye Care Education
Lastly, investing in eye health education can help avoid vision problems in the future, and ultimately save you money in the long run. Many vision benefit plans offer resources such as newsletters, informational guides, and educational videos that provide insights and tips on how to take care of your eyes.
In conclusion, maximizing your vision benefits requires some knowledge and effort on your part, but it is worth it to ensure your eye health is in top shape. Always know your benefits and use them wisely, keep track of your plan year, take advantage of discounts, and invest in eye care education. With these tips, you can fully leverage your vision benefit plan and get the most out of it.
