Vision Plans

Broker Resources

Vision Summary of Benefits | Vision highlights | Benefit solutions bundling | Forms and Applications

Expanded vision network means access, convenience and value to members

Our vision plan members have access to the largest network* of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians in California and nationwide. Many of these providers are conveniently located at retail locations such as LensCrafters, Site for Sore Eyes, For Eyes Optical, and Target Optical; 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.

Groups with 101 or more eligible employees can purchase vision coverage with or without Blue Shield medical coverage. For even greater flexibility employers can offer Voluntary Vision coverage – an even more affordable way to offer vision coverage – with no minimum employer contribution.

Plan information cards

For California members – English
For California members – Spanish

Bundle and save a bundle with Benefit Solutions

With Benefit Solutions, the more you add, the more you save. Our improved bundling program now applies to groups of 101 up to 1,000.
Your clients can save up to 3% on their medical rate by bundling dental, vision, and life insurance with their medical benefits.

• Choose dental and save 2%
• Add a minimum of $25,000 in life insurance and save an additional .5%
• Add vision, and save another .5%

Learn more about Benefit Solutions (PDF,378 KB)

The value of vision with Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California gives the member allowances toward lens extras like progressive lenses and anti-reflective coating, which can result in a lower out-of-pocket cost to the member. Other vision providers charge copays, which can result in a higher member out-of-pocket cost. When a member visits a vision network provider, the cost for standard lenses is covered at 100%. When enhanced lens benefits are added, there are generally higher out-of-pocket costs to the member. With Blue Shield’s allowances, these out-of-pocket costs are reduced.

Contact lens plans

Blue Shield offers 10 vision plans with elective contact lens benefits which allow members to cover both contacts and eyeglasses within the same benefit period.

• In addition to the frame allowance, select vision plans cover up to $150 for elective contact lenses along with a standard contact lens fitting and evaluation.

Custom options

Groups with 101 or more eligible employees may work with their Blue Shield representative to customize a vision plan to fit the needs of their employees.

Lens benefits

Premium progressive lenses, anti-reflective coating, and photochromic lenses are covered benefits in plans, with a $130 and $150 frame allowance. All plans cover polycarbonate lenses for dependent children to provide extra protection against breakage.

Four-year rate guarantee

All groups receive a four-year rate guarantee on their vision coverage, giving them added financial predictability for budgeting and planning.

Online eyewear

MESVisionOptics.com delivers cost savings and allows members the convenience of using their benefits to shop online and purchase contact lenses. Readers, sunglasses, and other accessories are also available at low, online prices.

Learn more about online contact lens ordering (PDF, 45 KB) 

Coverage for sunglasses

Members who have had PRK, LASIK or custom LASIK vision correction surgery can use their frame allowance toward any pair of sunglasses. All they need to do is see a network provider and provide proof of surgery or substantiate the surgery through an eye exam.

Blue Shield member portal and app

Members can get easy access to benefit and coverage information, claims payment and status updates, and digital ID cards through blueshieldca.com  when they register their account.  For on-the-go access, members can download the Blue Shield app on their mobile device.

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:

• Laser vision correction surgery discounts from 15% to 20% with QualSight and NVision Laser Eye
• Hearing aids (discounts of up to 60% through EPIC, one of the nation’s largest networks of hearing-care professionals)
   

See the value

Help your clients see the value that vision coverage can bring them in the Look into your health infographic (PDF, 385 KB).

* Vision plan providers are available through a contracted vision plan administrator. Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company (Blue Shield Life).