Retired Member Optical Benefit
The current optical benefit for retirees offers both a voucher system and an enhanced option with Davis Vision (details regarding the Davis Vision coverage are provided below). Optical exams and glasses are provided through a network of various vendors.
Benefit overview
Your optical voucher may be used at any of the participating providers listed. Co-payments and available products vary with participating providers.
Eligibility
Retired members and spouses are entitled to an optical benefit every two years by calendar year (benefit is available each change of the second year; a full two years is not required to pass between benefit distributions) and eligible dependents are entitled to an annual optical benefit by calendar year.
How to Claim Benefit
To claim the optical benefit, call the SOC Health and Welfare Fund Office at 212.964.7500 to request an optical voucher. A separate voucher is issued for each family member for whom a voucher is requested. The voucher(s) will be mailed to the member along with a listing of participating providers.
If there are no participating providers in your area you may have services provided by an optometrist of your choice and submit the optical voucher along with the paid itemized bill for reimbursement. Reimbursement for the retiree optical benefit is a combined benefit for an examination and glasses. The total cash value of the optical voucher is $40.
Vouchers are valid for six (6) weeks. If a voucher expires unused, the member may mail back the original and indicate that he/she wishes the voucher to be reissued. If the voucher is lost, a request for a new voucher must be received in writing either by mail or by fax: 212-406-3105.
NEW "DAVIS VISION" OPTICAL COVERAGE FOR RETIREES
The Superior Officers Council Retiree Health Benefits Fund is pleased to announce an enhancement to our vision care benefits effective January 1, 2011. In an effort to provide our retirees with the greatest possible value while significantly enhancing our vision care benefit, the trustees have elected to add Davis Vision as one of our vision care providers.
Vision benefits provided by Davis Vision will be provided as an in-network only benefit whereby an eye examination, frames/lenses or contacts lenses can be obtained at any of the available participating providers. If you choose to use Davis Vision for your optical benefit, you will not be required to obtain a vision voucher from the SOC Benefits office and can access your benefit directly from your provider of choice. You simply present the enclosed ID card and your electronic eligibility will appear on your provider's screen. It's that simple.
As part of the SOC Retiree Health Benefit Fund's commitment toward protecting confidentiality of your information, Davis Vision will no longer be using your social security number for identification. Instead they will be utilizing your Tax ID number for identification to access their optical benefit for you and your dependents. So, when scheduling appointments with a Davis Vision provider, please use your Tax ID number for enrollment verification to obtain vision care benefits.
Described below is a summary of Davis Vision's vendor benefits effective January 1, 2011 and enclosed are descriptive brochures as well as provider listings.
Davis Vision
The Davis Vision program being introduced to retirees effective January 1st closely mirrors the current active member program (basic copayments are applicable), and will feature an in-network benefit that offers the opportunity to obtain services for an eye examination with dilation, as professionally indicated, as well as obtain eyeglasses or contact lenses at fixed co-payments.
You now have the opportunity to select any frame from Davis Vision’s exclusive "Collection". Independent providers have the exclusive "Collection" on display with over 200 frames to choose from in multiple sizes and colors. The "Collection" features three levels of frames: Fashion, Designer and Premier, with retail values of up to $225. Approximately eight out of ten members take advantage of the tremendous savings by selecting a Davis Vision "Collection" frame.
In addition, spectacle lenses are offered in glass or plastic, and in any range of prescription (single vision, bifocal, and trifocal) at a basic co-payment. All of the most popular lens options (Progressive Lenses, Scratch Protection, Anti-Reflective Coating, High-Index Ultra- Thin Lenses and many others) that typically result in large out-of-pocket expenses have been included in the program at fixed significantly discounted prices. You can find a provider who carries the exclusive collection by visiting www.davisvision.com or by telephoning 1-888-234-5248.
Lastly, the SOC's new retiree vision benefit with Davis Vision was enhanced in comparison to the current $40 eye examination/eye glass benefit, effective January 1st. The comprehensive nature of the new vision benefit, as well as provider locations in all 50 states, no longer requires reimbursement under the Davis Vision Plan. As always, you may contact the SOC Health Benefits Office if you have any questions at 212-964-7500. We are proud to offer you this significant enhancement and provide our retirees with the benefits they deserve.