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In this article VSP offers flexible vision insurance coverage, built just for you. Learn More
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a nationally known insurance provider in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). 1 They provide health, dental, and vision benefits to over 18 million unionized workers and over 5 million federal employees, uniformed service members, retirees, and their dependents. BCBS’s supplemental vision plans provide comprehensive, worldwide vision coverage for vision care exams, treatment, and eyewear purchases. They have a frame allowance and great discounts on popular prescription lenses. BCBS companies work closely with hospitals and eye doctors to provide quality, affordable healthcare in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. According to BCBS, they have more than 1.7 million doctors and hospitals contracted with them. This is more than any other insurer. Although BCBS does not have providers overseas, they offer Vision International benefits to federal employees and other eligible members residing overseas, ensuring that global coverage needs are also met. In this article, we discuss:
You must know your vision plan and what it covers to get the most out of your BCBS coverage. Depending on your plan, the following will be covered:
Need vision Insurance? VSP has plans as low as $13/month. View Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers vision coverage based on the community’s needs. For this reason, the available BCBS vision plans may vary by state. However, they generally include the following:
BCBS and VSP® Vision Care have collaborated to provide Individual Vision plans that include eye care services and supplies to maintain healthy eyes. The Individual Vision Plan is available with individual, family, and Medicare Supplemental health plans.
BCBS’s traditional health insurance plan does not include vision care. However, coverage is offered as a stand-alone plan for members enrolled in individual health insurance plans or employer-sponsored group plans. 2
The Preferred Provider Organization Health Insurance Plan (PPO) offers affordable, age-dependent rates for children. It lets you choose where to take your child for eye care, even outside the Blue Shield network.
Unlike other health insurance carriers who may require you to purchase coverage for your children, PPO premiums are based on the child’s age, not the type of coverage.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include vision care in addition to other great benefits offered under the Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Your vision benefits and obligations will depend on your type of Medicare Advantage plan (HMO, PPO, PFFS, etc.) 3
FEP is a government-wide Service Benefit Plan providing vision coverage for more than 5 million federal employees, retirees, and their families. FEP keeps premiums low while providing comprehensive benefits for members.
The cost of vision care coverage will vary based on your selected plan and location. For example, plans in one state may feature deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, while other states may exclude some payments. According to affordable health insurance, BCBS monthly premiums for Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan range from $300 to $600. 4
Carefully review your Blue Cross Blue Shield vision plan benefits designed to save money on glasses, contact lenses, and services. To know how much your plan will cost, go to the BCBS website and compare plans or call your local BCBS company to speak to an agent.
After enrolling into BCBS, you’ll be paying monthly premiums. The amount will vary depending on the type of plan and location. Allowances and discounts on certain products may also vary from state to state.
As a federal employee, your premiums will be deducted from your paycheck as pre-tax dollars. In contrast, uniformed service members will pay their premiums through payroll deduction or automatic bank withdrawal (ABW) using post-tax dollars. Annuitants make their payments through annuity deductions on their post-tax dollars.
If you need glasses after the eye exam, You may have to make a copayment for the lenses (About $10 or $15). The price may go up if you exceed your plan’s allowance.
We recommend using in-network providers to save money and get the most from your vision insurance benefits. Members pay the same no matter where they go in-network.
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are relatively more expensive compared to other insurers. They also have the highest out-of-pocket costs. BCBS’s Silver plan costs an average of $607 monthly for someone aged 40 and older.
Compared to similar plans, the average monthly cost for Aetna is $450, while the average monthly premium for Cigna is $465.
By enrolling with BCBS insurance, you’ll benefit from the vast provider network and unique member perks. They may, however, cost more. Get a quote from a BCBS plan in your location to know your exact coverage costs.
VSP insurance coverage can help you save on glasses, contacts, eye exams, and more. Learn More
The following categories of people qualify for Blue Cross Blue Shield Coverage:
Remember, you must reside in an area serviced by your desired vision plan to enroll. You must have Medicare Part A and B membership to qualify for the medicare advantage plan.
According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the age cap for full-time students is 23 years. For dependents of federal employees, BCBS offers coverage until they turn 22. Similarly, military personnel dependents can use the benefits until age 22.
To locate a Blue Cross Blue Shield company in your state, follow the following steps:
FEP Blue Vision is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield supplemental vision plan. FEP Vision members have access to Blue365® Program discounts on health and wellness services and over 130,000 providers nationally.
Blue365 is accessible at blue365deals.com. This program is free and assists you in achieving optimal eye health. You can also receive discounts on non-vision-related items like gym memberships, meal kits, and more.
There are two BCBS FEP vision coverage options: High and Standard. Let’s compare their offers in the table below:
| High Option | Standard Option |
| Free vision exams Free frames and contact lenses Full coverage on frames from the BCBS FEP Vision Exclusive Collection $200 frame allowance for frames outside of the Exclusive Collection 20% off frames over $200 at select retailers | Free vision exams Free frames and contact lenses Fully covered BCBS FEP Vision Collection frames $140 frame allowance for frames outside of the Exclusive Collection 20% off frames over $140 at select retailers |
The laser vision correction benefit enables members to spend less than the national average to restore their eyesight. BCBS FEP Vision has partnered with QualSight LASIK, a major network of credentialed laser surgeons, to provide coverage at discounted prices. If you’re a candidate for LASIK surgery, you can save up to 35% off the national average cost. 6
The enrollment process for FEP is administered by BENEFEDS, a secure, government-authorized portal. You can enroll online or by phone. Call 1-877-888-3337 Monday to Friday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
Those outside the US can call 1-571-730-5942 for inquiries. If you have hearing loss or speech impairment, call 1-877-889-5680.
Your membership will automatically renew yearly until you make changes through the BENEFEDS portal. Changes can be made if you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) or during Open Season. The open season runs from Monday of the second week of November to Monday of the second week in December.7
In this article
VSP has the nation's largest network of independent vision doctors. Protect your health and save money today. Check Their Network
Updated on May 1, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
by Vision Center Staff
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Melody Huang, O.D.
7 sources cited Updated on May 1, 2024Vincent Ayaga is a medical researcher and seasoned content writer with a bachelor's degree in Medical Microbiology. Specializing in disease investigation, prevention, and control, Vincent is dedicated to raising awareness about visual problems and the latest evidence-based solutions in ophthalmology. He strongly believes in the transformative power of ophthalmic education through research to inform and educate those seeking knowledge in eye health.
Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. When she’s not working, Dr. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats.
