Group Vision Care Plan
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What It Is Eligibility Features Plan Options Obtain A Quote Implement A Plan |
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What It IsThe NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Group Vision Care Plan is only available for purchase by local associations, their benefit funds, and employers. The Group Vision Care Plan provides 1 complete eye exam (including glaucoma testing and, when professionally indicated, dilation) and 1 pair of eyeglasses (lenses and frames) or contact lenses per benefit period, paid-in-full according to plan specifications from participating providers. NYSUT Member Benefits Trust co-endorses group vision coverage from two vendors, Davis Vision and General Vision Services. The plan design offered by both vendors is fundamentally the same with slight differences in member pricing for optional services and in participating program providers. A comparison of the benefits coverage for both Davis and GVS and copies of statewide participating program provider listings for both vendors are available. When choosing a group plan vendor, consider the quality of services receivied by your members and their families as well as the convenience of provider locations in your geograhic area. The Group Vision Plan is a NYSUT Member Benefits Trust (Member Benefits)-endorsed program. Member Benefits self-insures the risk for groups with guaranteed rate contracts, meaning total premiums collected and claims paid are pooled annually. At the end of the plan year, any surplus funds revert to Member Benefits; if a deficit exists, Member Benefits is responsible for covering the loss. For the last 10-year period, a surplus equaling approximately 4.1% of paid premiums has resulted. For self-insured group vision plans, Member Benefits has an expense reimbursement/endorsement arrangement of $.07 per month per enrolled participant. All such payments to Member Benefits are used solely to defray the costs of administering its various programs and, where appropriate, to enhance them. The insured group vision plans pool the premiums of Member Benefits participants who are insured for the purposes of determining premium rates and accounting. Coverage outside of this plan may have rates and terms that are not the same as those obtainable through Member Benefits. The Insurer or Member Benefits may hold premium reserves that may be used to offset rate increases and/or fund such other expenses related to the plan as determined appropriate by Member Benefits. Member Benefits acts as your advocate; please contact Member Benefits at (800) 626-8101 if you experience a problem with any endorsed program. Agency fee payers to NYSUT are eligible to participate in NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed programs.
EligibilityThe NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Group Vision Care Plan is only available for purchase by local associations, their benefit funds, and employers. All participants of your group may participate in the plan. Dependent coverage is available if your group purchases family coverage. Dependents include spouse (or domestic partner if covered by your group) and dependent children, who include natural and legally adopted children, and any other children who permanently reside in your household. Coverage is available until age 19. Coverage will continue until age 25 with appropriate full-time student identification.
Features
Plan OptionsPlan purchaser can select:
Obtain A QuoteThe cost of providing a Group Vision Care Plan can range anywhere from less than $60 per participant per year for employees only, to $210 per participant per year for a top-of-the-line family plan.
Implement A PlanOnce the decision has been made to purchase the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-endorsed Vision Care Plan on a group basis, here’s what needs to be done to implement this plan:
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