bcbs Optical Vision Insurance Benefits and Coverage

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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) optical vision insurance benefits and coverage can be a game-changer for those who wear glasses or contacts.

BCBS offers comprehensive vision insurance plans that cover a wide range of services, including routine eye exams, glasses, contacts, and even surgical procedures.

You can expect to receive a 100% coverage for routine eye exams, which can help you catch any potential eye problems early on.

In addition, BCBS plans often cover a significant portion of the cost for prescription glasses and contacts, with some plans covering up to 80% of the total cost.

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Plan Benefits

With BCBS FEP Vision, you'll have access to a wide range of benefits that can help you care for your future.

You'll get fully-covered, comprehensive vision care exams for all members, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. Benefits that work overseas are also included, giving you peace of mind when traveling abroad.

A unique perspective: Bcbs Virtual Doctor

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An extensive Exclusive Collection of over 220 designer frames, each valued up to $195, is covered in full at most independent provider locations. You can also get an additional $50 frame allowance at over 800 nationwide MyEyeDr. locations, with High Option members receiving a $250 frame allowance and Standard Option members receiving $190.

You'll have access to over 175,000 independent providers, national retailers, and online retailers, including MyEyeDr., Walmart, America's Best, Warby Parker, and more. This means you can choose from a vast selection of eyewear options to suit your needs and preferences.

You'll also get access to over 100 health and wellness discounts from Blue365, which can help you save money on a range of health-related services and products.

Here are some key benefits to know about your BCBS vision plan:

  • Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Frames or contact lenses allowances and discounts
  • Discounts on prescription sunglasses
  • Transition (photochromic) lenses
  • Additional discounts on non-prescription eyewear accessories

Keep in mind that you may have to pay a small copay, such as $10 or $15, on lenses for glasses. You may also pay more if you exceed your plan's frames or contacts allowance.

Plan Details

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Your BCBS vision plan likely includes at least one annual eye exam each year. This is a standard benefit, and most plans don't require you to pay anything extra for this exam.

Depending on your plan, benefits may also include prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, frames or contact lenses allowances and discounts, discounts on prescription sunglasses, transition lenses, and additional discounts on non-prescription eyewear accessories.

You may have to pay a small copay, usually $10 or $15, for lenses for glasses. Some plans also have a frames or contacts allowance, and you may pay more if you exceed those amounts.

Here are some examples of what's covered in your plan:

Carefully review your Blue Cross Blue Shield vision plan benefits to understand what's included and what you may need to pay for. This will help you make the most of your coverage and save money on eyewear, contact lenses, and services.

View Plan Details

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To get a clear picture of your BCBS vision plan, it's essential to review the plan details. You can do this by visiting the BCBS website and accessing the Member Handbook for a list of covered services, which varies depending on your age.

Your BCBS vision plan likely includes at least one annual eye exam each year, but benefits may also include prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, frames or contact lenses allowances and discounts, and discounts on prescription sunglasses.

Carefully review your plan to understand what's covered and what's not. For example, the BCBS 2022 FEP Vision plan for federal employees covers frames from the BCBS FEP Exclusive Collection, but you'll pay more if you exceed the plan's frames or contacts allowance.

Here are some key benefits to look out for in your plan:

  • Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Frames or contact lenses allowances and discounts
  • Discounts on prescription sunglasses
  • Transition (photochromic) lenses
  • Additional discounts on non-prescription eyewear accessories

If you have diabetes or another disease that could affect your eyesight, you may be eligible for more than the standard number of eye exams each year. Be sure to check your plan details for specific information on covered services.

Prior Approval for Care

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Some services require approval from BCBSNM before treatment, known as prior authorization. The cost won't be covered if BCBSNM doesn't approve the service.

You can find more information about prior authorization in the Member Handbook.

Network and Providers

Choosing an in-network provider with your Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) vision plan can save you money. This is because in-network providers usually cost less than out-of-network providers.

To find an in-network provider, you can search your vision plan's provider locator online. This will give you a list of doctors and optometrists who are part of the BCBS network.

If you're a member of the 2022 FEP federal vision plan, you're eligible for a second in-network vision care exam and a second set of eyeglasses for children aged 13 and under. This benefit also covers adults with specific conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and pregnancy.

Here are some conditions that qualify you for the second in-network eye exam and eyeglasses benefit:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Pregnancy
  • Kidney disease
  • Dementia
  • Head and neck cancer patients going through radiation therapy

Specialized Plans

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Blue Shield offers specialized plans that cater to unique vision needs. One such plan is the contact lens plan, which allows members to cover both contacts and eyeglasses within the same benefit period.

If you're a contact lens wearer, you're in luck. Select vision plans cover up to $150 for elective contact lenses, along with a standard contact lens fitting and evaluation.

To give you a better idea of what's covered, here's a breakdown of the benefits:

  • Up to $150 for elective contact lenses
  • Standard contact lens fitting and evaluation

Contract and Guarantee

With BCBS Optical, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vision coverage is secure. All groups receive a four-year rate guarantee, giving them added financial predictability for budgeting and planning.

This guarantee ensures that your rates won't increase for four years, allowing you to make long-term plans without worrying about unexpected changes.

Announcement Regarding Our Contract with BlueCross BlueShield Arizona

We've been working with BlueCross BlueShield Arizona to balance the reimbursement of eye care services, but we haven't reached an agreement yet.

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This means that if we don't come to an agreement soon, Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center will be out of network with BlueCross BlueShield Arizona.

If you're insured with BlueCross BlueShield Arizona, your provider at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center may not accept their insurance plan if we don't reach an agreement.

You can search for a contracted provider on the BlueCross BlueShield Arizona website at www.AZblue.com or call them directly at 602-864-4117.

BCBS Arizona will still be listed on our page until coverage with them ends.

Four-Year Rate Guarantee

Having a four-year rate guarantee can give you peace of mind when it comes to budgeting and planning for your vision coverage.

This guarantee means that your rate will be locked in for four years, giving you stability and predictability.

You can plan ahead knowing that your expenses for vision coverage won't change for at least four years.

For your interest: Bcbs Nc Vision

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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