Superior Vision - Presentation Questions

1. Is this a pretax benefit?

   Yes. As a pretax benefit, our vision coverage is subject to the same election guidelines as our medical and dental.  You may only elect our vision benefit during the introductory enrollment period or during open enrollment. The exception is if you experience a qualifying event such as marriage, divorce or the birth of a child.

2. What are dependent child eligibility requirements?  

   Dependent children are covered under the benefit until they are 19 years old.  If they hold full-time student status, they can be covered to age 25. Once they lose eligibility the benefit can be continued through COBRA for 36 months.

3. Can retirees be covered?

Current retirees are not eligible for the benefit.  Future retirees can extend the vision benefit for 18 months through COBRA if they have elected it prior to retirement.

4. Is refraction covered by the eye exam?

When performed by an in-network provider, refractions are included as part of the comprehensive eye exam. The cost for this exam is a $10 copay.

5. What do the codes by providers mean?

   The indicators under each providers name show you what they have agreed to provide to members. It is as follows:

   EX - eye exam

   CLF - contact lens fit

   GL - base lens and frame up to the allowance

   CL - contact lens materials up to the allowance

   DP8-20 - discounts for the insured lens options (the maximum out of pocket for some of the lens options applies with the DP8-20), frame overages, and any additional contacts beyond the allowance and additional glasses beyond the insured pair. The second pair of glasses do not have any out of pocket maximums. Any additional glasses or contact lenses beyond the allowance fall under the SVP8 column.

   DP - the providers who have only a DP will provide the discounts as listed under SVP8 only. So, they will not give any out of pocket maximums on the insured lens options, or discount any frame overage. They will give a straight 20% off of the insured lens options only and also they will provide the SVP8 discounts for any additional glasses or contact lenses.

   Wal-mart does not participate in a discount plan because its prices are already low.

6. Who do the discount "Cost Caps" apply to?

For providers listing participation in the DP8-20 discount plan, cost caps apply to the members' maximum out of pocket.

7. What about paying for Lasik?

Payment arrangements for LASIK surgery would be between determined between the patient and the provider as the patient will be making payment (at the discounted rate) directly to the provider.  Discounts are not available on out of network providers.

8. Will we get Explanation of Benefits (EOB)?

You can call Customer Service and request that an EOB be printed and sent to you directly on a claim specific basis.  The functionality to print an EOB from the website will be offered in the future.

9. When does initial enrollment end?

The initial enrollment period ends April 25, 2008. All benefits are effective April 1, 2008, even if you turn in your paperwork after that date.   If your enrollment is not received prior to payroll processing in mid April, you will be billed two months premiums in May.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.