Random question: VSP vision insurance

BallSox

Does anyone else have vsp?  We've not used it since we've gotten it.  (Previously we went to a mall place). 

H seems to think that we pay oop for everything and then are reimbursed.  It looks to me like we just pay a co-pay.  However, he says "but we don't have any sort of an insurance card", which is true.  It seems to me, however, that it'd be something they look up on a computer to see we've got it  

just.a.lurker

I had it with my old job.  I didn't pay oop for anything, and all the info was on the back of my regular health insurance card.  I never had anything more than an eye exam (don't wear glasses or anything), but the exams were billed directly to insurance.

TotallyNot_Isha

I have VSP. No card. Just last name is all they go by for me.

 I do not pay oop for anything and get reimbursed. Exams are covered. Frames are covered every 2 years (or contacts, however you prefer). If the frames are more expensive than what they cover (and of course, anything decent is), you get 20% off the remaining balance. Also 20% off anything additional, like coating or lense upgrades.

Amorlinda

We just got VSP at work. There isn't an insurance card, you just tell them it's VSP and give them your info.

As far as I know, we don't pay anything out of pocket unless it's above what they would cover. I believe eye exams are free, we get up to $120 for frames and another $120 for lenses or contacts.  You pay the rest at a discounted rate if you go over it. BUT I haven't exactly used it yet so I may be a bit off on my numbers.

Beabs

TotallyNot_Isha:

I have VSP. No card. Just last name is all they go by for me.

 I do not pay oop for anything and get reimbursed. Exams are covered. Frames are covered every 2 years (or contacts, however you prefer). If the frames are more expensive than what they cover (and of course, anything decent is), you get 20% off the remaining balance. Also 20% off anything additional, like coating or lens upgrades.

All of this.

BallSox

Yeah, this lines up with what I *finally* found on the website.  I'm irked, however, because H has been off work since before Christmas.  We both have been basically free-schedule for like 3 weeks.  The first appt they have is tomorrow morning and guess what?  H has a meeting at work he can't miss.  

Next appt isn't until Thursday and so by the time they do the exam and make the glasses----I'll be blind for almost a week.   

ManiacMcGee

I worked at LensCrafters for a while and if I remember correctly the sales we offered were almost always better than VSP.  The actual sticker price for frames, lenses and upgrades are astronomical so that they can offer 50% off sales or BOGO and people will feel like they are getting a deal.  But since you are using insurance, you have to be quoted the sticker price.

So unless you want the most basic pair of glasses (cheaper frames & plastic lenses), which are totally fine most the time BTW, you should price out both with and without insurance. 

mmkaye

It is very good insurance, so I have been told.  I have to pay copay/ coinsurance amounts.  But it is super cheap.  I think the last time I went I paid around 50 and that was for the exam, new lens and frames, and scratch coating stuff on the lenses. 

I did end up paying more for my contacts, but I think that that was because I had gotten new glasses the previous year.

So no not oop, like typical health, dental, or what not insurance.  The only other thing I can think that you have to pay oop for is if you want frames that cost more than what they allow.

BallSox

ManiacMcGee:

I worked at LensCrafters for a while and if I remember correctly the sales we offered were almost always better than VSP.  The actual sticker price for frames, lenses and upgrades are astronomical so that they can offer 50% off sales or BOGO and people will feel like they are getting a deal.  But since you are using insurance, you have to be quoted the sticker price.

So unless you want the most basic pair of glasses (cheaper frames & plastic lenses), which are totally fine most the time BTW, you should price out both with and without insurance. 

I knew this on a certain level.  I keep asking myself why I even bother with vision insurance when you can just go to LC or eye mart and get a comparable deal when there's a sale---and not have to wait days to get them back.  :-(  

ManiacMcGee

BallSox:

ManiacMcGee:

I worked at LensCrafters for a while and if I remember correctly the sales we offered were almost always better than VSP.  The actual sticker price for frames, lenses and upgrades are astronomical so that they can offer 50% off sales or BOGO and people will feel like they are getting a deal.  But since you are using insurance, you have to be quoted the sticker price.

So unless you want the most basic pair of glasses (cheaper frames & plastic lenses), which are totally fine most the time BTW, you should price out both with and without insurance. 

I knew this on a certain level.  I keep asking myself why I even bother with vision insurance when you can just go to LC or eye mart and get a comparable deal when there's a sale---and not have to wait days to get them back.  :-(  

It all depends on your prescription and taste. If you have a strong prescription you don't want plastic lenses b/c they'll look like coke bottles. Polycarbonate lenses are considered an upgrade.  I always prefer non-glare coating b/c it looks 100x better and it is easier when driving at night (again, not usually covered).  And I'm a snob for frames so it is hard for me to find ones that are less than $200, although there are some cute ones out there. 

Still, the insurance is good for your exam!

Good luck.

Oh, ps, I've been dying to try out internet sites like this one https://www.39dollarglasses.com/

 They might not be designer but I could match them to my outfits at that price