Small Business Vision plans
Vision plan updates for 2024
Our 2024 new vision vendor is EyeMed
EyeMed is taking over the administration of MES Vision benefits for our vision members. For more than a year, EyeMed and MES have been working together to ensure a smooth transition.
Portfolio Vision changes
- Optometric out-of-network visits now matches Ophthalmologic cost share.
- Eyeglass Frame Out-of-Network allowance increase.
- Plano (non-prescription sunglasses) – New benefit cost share for out-of-network.
- All vision plans include both Standard and Progressive Lenses (no-line bifocals) benefit.
- Contact Lens Benefit Updates.
- Electives – reduce out-of-network allowance to match out-of-network frame allowance.
- Non-elective (medically necessary) – same cost share for hard and soft.
For exact terms and conditions of coverage for all 2024 plan offerings, refer to the Certificate of Insurance for the plan, or contact your Blue Shield sales representative.
Why add a Blue Shield vision plan?
Bundling discount – groups save 10% of dental and vision premiums
Give your small business clients a 10% specialty discount! Anytime you add dental and/or vision to a new or existing small business client's medical coverage, a 10% discount will be applied to the dental and/or vision premiums. Learn more.
Network
Our vision plan members have access to the largest network* of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians with 11,000+ access points in California and 134,000+ access points nationwide. Many providers are conveniently located at retail locations such as LensCrafters and Target; and wholesale or warehouse locations such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco. These locations are often open evenings and weekends, making it easier and more convenient for members to purchase frames, lenses, and contacts.
More choice
Groups may offer more than one vision plan. This flexibility helps employers provide choices to meet the needs of their employees.
Two-year initial rate guarantee
A two-year initial rate guarantee applies to both new and existing medical groups adding a dental or vision plan, and/or life insurance.
Retinal imaging
A retinal imaging exam benefit is now available as an option to the comprehensive eye exam. This procedure takes a digital image of the back of the eye to help an optometrist or ophthalmologist find certain diseases and check the health of the eyes without dilation.
- Available with in-network providers only.
- Applies to all vision plans with an eye exam benefit.
- Member will pay an additional $39.00 copayment for this benefit.
Low eye exam copayment on all vision plans
We don’t want anything to stand in the way of getting regular eye exams because annual eye exams play an important role in the early detection of serious health problems including glaucoma, diabetes, and hypertension. That’s why all our vision plans have a $0 or $10 annual eye exam copayment.
Frame allowances are available from $120 and $150
- Includes coverage for progressive lenses, photochromic lenses, and anti-reflective coating.
- Contact Lens Plus plans that cover both eyeglass lenses/frames and contact lenses, including evaluation, fittings, and materials up to $120 during the benefit period.
- All plans cover polycarbonate lenses for dependent children.
- Lenses every 12 or 24 months.
- Compare all our plans side-by-side on the Plan Comparison tool.
Streamlined administration
All of our group plans offer streamlined administration: this means one bill, one renewal, and one point of administration for all of your clients' Blue Shield business. And, your clients can access and manage all of their coverage information through Employer Connection.
Contribution requirements
A 25% contribution is required for all vision plans except Voluntary Vision plans; no employer contribution required.
Wellness offers and discounts
Blue Shield offers a wide range of programs that can help members save money and get healthier. In addition to our Discount Vision Program Network, which offers a 20% savings on many vision materials and services, members can get discounts on:
- Hearing aids – discounts of up to 60% through EPIC, one of the nation's largest networks of hearing care professionals.
* Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company. Available through a contracted vision plan administrator.
† The network of practitioners and facilities in the discount programs are managed by the external program administrators identified below, including any screening and credentialing of providers. Blue Shield does not review the services provided by discount program providers for medical necessity or efficacy. Nor does Blue Shield make any recommendations, representations, claims, or guarantees regarding the practitioners, their availability, fees, services, or products. Some services offered through the discount program may already be included as part of the Blue Shield health plan covered benefits. Members must access covered services prior to using the discount program. Blue Shield reserves the right to terminate this program at any time without notice. Discount programs administered by or arranged through independent companies: Discount Vision Program – LASIK and PRK – Laser Eye Centers, LLC.
