UC promotes employee health by offering access to vision coverage at no cost to eligible employees. As we approach the end of the calendar year, it’s a good time to take stock of whether you are making the most of your vision benefits.

Take advantage of 2018

Have you used all your vision benefits for 2018? Vision coverage includes eye examinations (recommended once per year), prescription eyewear and contact lenses, as well as discounted laser vision correction. Some vision benefits are available to you every year and some every other year.

Take a few minutes to review your UC vision benefits to see what you’re entitled to. This information is summarized on the Vision page. In the right sidebar of that page, there’s a link to downloadable plan information.

Vision care providers get very busy this time of year as people want to use up their benefits, so it’s a good idea to book any appointments that you need as soon as you can!

And if you have excess funds (above $500) in your Health Flexible Spending Account, take this opportunity to use this surplus rather than lose it. To review your FSA account balance, visit wageworks.com/ucfsa.

Plan for the new year

If you prefer to wait until 2019, there are several enhancements to the employee vision plan you should be aware of. The frame allowance will increase from $130 to $160, and standard progressive lenses will be covered in full, with no copay!

ID cards

You don’t need an ID card to obtain vision services, but if you prefer to use one, you can conveniently download cards from the VSP website. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, VSP cards will contain unique ID numbers. This gives UC members the option to use their unique VSP ID number or their Social Security number at their provider’s office.

Helpful tips and resources

Here are some helpful tips to help you maximize your benefits through the UC-sponsored vision program:

  1. Manage your benefits with a personal account at vsp.com. You can review your coverage, find a network doctor, get money-saving offers and more.
  2. Use your network. You’ll get more and save more in-network, including extra offers only available at Premier Program locations. Find our VSP network doctor on vsp.com.
  3. Get an annual exam. Your VSP network doctor will help keep you and your eyes healthy with a thorough eye exam.
  4. Find your perfect eyewear. You’ll get extra money to spend when you choose a featured frame brand and save up to 40 percent on lens enhancements.

UC and VSP have many resources to help you understand your vision plan. Check out information about your vision plan on UCnet, and your 2019 benefits summary from VSP.