Vision coverage is great coverage to opt into because it tends to be much more cost effective than your medical coverage. But it can also be the type of coverage that causes major anxiety due to lack of knowledge on the consumer’s part on how the plan actually operates!
So, to cut down on stress-induced heartburn, here are some tips and tricks to help you maximize your vision benefits:
- First thing to keep in mind: a lot of optometrists are NOT in-network. We know this can be frustrating, so make sure before you render services that you know the upfront cost of visiting an out-of-network optometrist. You can do this by calling the provider’s office directly and requesting that they run the services through your insurance first so you can get a cost estimate.
- If you visit an out of network provider – you could be eligible for reimbursement. A reimbursement means you can submit a claim form with a receipt for monetary reimbursement based off services rendered.
- Vision insurance does NOT operate like your medical insurance! There is not an unlimited amount of benefits available. With vision insurance, there are caps, maximums, and frequency limits on certain services or procedures. For example, you may only be eligible for a new pair of eyeglass frames once per year! Just make sure before you go in for an eye exam or a new pair of glasses, you call your insurance company and understand the limitations.
- Some eyeglass brands, or frames, are excluded from coverage! I know we all want high-end glasses, but your insurance company may just disagree! Just make sure that if you purchase one of the excluded brands, you know the cost ahead of time.
Bottomline: Make sure you know the cost of your services or eyeglasses BEFORE you render services!
If you have further questions regarding your vision coverage, or would like an employee benefits quote, give Clevenger Insurance a call today at 574-267-2181.
