What to Look Out For

Liz DiGiandomenico explains how companies who offer vision benefit plans are using them to their own advantage.

With healthcare costs rising and budgets tightening, now is the perfect time for benefit managers to consider a vision plan. While adding a line of coverage is probably not top of mind, vision benefits are uniquely positioned to add perceived value to employees without adding a great deal, if any, expense to the company.

The number of companies offering vision plans continues to increase. The Society of Human Resource Management, which conducts a comprehensive national survey on employee benefits, reported that 79 percent of employers offered vision benefits in 2007. This represents an increase over the past several years. Several factors – including the many advantages to employers – contribute to this trend.

Eye exams equal better health
During a dilated eye exam, the doctor has an unobstructed view of the blood vessels. In addition to revealing the health of the eye, this exam can also detect symptoms of serious health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease – sometimes before the medical doctor has made a diagnosis. With early diagnosis comes better treatment and potentially lower medical costs in the future.

By offering a vision plan with eye exam coverage, your company promotes overall health and, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, employees with vision benefits are more likely to have an annual eye exam.

Companies frequently offer vision plans on a voluntary basis. In this scenario, even though employees fund the cost of the plan, the company still reaps the rewards of offering employees a means to save money on eye care and eyewear – without impacting the company’s budget.
Vision plan rates are among the lowest overall, so an employee-paid vision plan can help take the sting out of reductions in other lines of coverage by simply offering it as an option.

To realize the most out of a vision plan, look for characteristics that ensure the highest return on investment.

Seek an organization that offers flexibility and multiple plan design options. The vendor should be willing to work with you on developing the best plan design for your company and its employee demographics, ultimately maximizing your spending. Be sure to consider usage of eyeglass lens upgrades such as anti-reflective coating and progressive multifocals, and look for plans that can ‘fund’ these options upfront if they are heavily used by your employees.

Make sure the plan includes a health and wellness component, including ICD-9 code reporting, so you can link plan usage to chronic conditions like glaucoma and diabetes.

Examine the network composition to make sure it offers diversity in location, type of provider (retail or private practice) and specialty (optometrist or ophthalmologist). Members desire choice. They also like the option of having their eyewear prescriptions filled at a dispensary other than where they have their eyes examined.

Understand exactly what administrative support will be offered. Most vision plans want the benefit to be hassle-free for the client and offer a variety of turnkey support solutions. Specifically ask what kind of self-service tools (online and via phone), communication and awareness materials (including identification cards) and other member support will be offered at no additional charge.

Look for a plan that provides face-to-face contact with employees. According to the MetLife 2008 Open Enrollment Survey, 82 percent of those with access to resources were satisfied with their company's benefit offerings, while only 51 percent of those without access to resources were satisfied. Vendor support for on-site health fairs and meetings educates members about the benefit from those who know it the best.

Analysts may be predicting more economic challenges throughout 2009, but adding a voluntary vision plan could have many positive returns for you and your employees.

Liz DiGiandomenico is the President and General Manager of EyeMed Vision Care. Liz has served in several executive and managerial level leadership positions in her 13-year tenure with EyeMed and its affiliated organizations. Liz is president for the National Association of Vision Care Plans. She was twice recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Optical by Jobson Optical Group.