Covered California To Offer Consumers A Pathway To Vision Coverage

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Covered California will offer consumers a pathway to vision plans under a new agreement with VSP Vision Care (VSP).

“Vision coverage is important for our members’ overall health, and Covered California has made it easier than ever for them to find quality vision care options through VSP, the industry leader in bringing vision coverage to consumers,” Covered California Executive Director Peter V. Lee said. 

“This is just another way Covered California is changing the health insurance landscape and is taking a lead role in helping consumers with all of their health care needs.”

Beginning today, visitors to CoveredCA.com can access VSP via a link, which will take the consumer to VSP’s website. Once on the VSP website, consumers will work directly with VSP to shop for vision benefits and see what coverage options are best for their situation.

“We are pleased to be chosen by Covered California and have the opportunity to compete in the market and provide adults throughout California with more access to affordable, quality eye care,” President and CEO of VSP Global  Jim McGrann said. “Comprehensive eye care delivers proven preventative health benefits and helps keep health care costs down. This decision will help close the gap in access to eye care for Californians who get their health insurance through the exchange.”

As part of the agreement with Covered California, VSP will conduct annual consumer surveys to ensure a positive consumer experience. In addition, VSP will provide quarterly enrollment reports to Covered California based on those who have accessed VSP through CoveredCA.com.

Adult vision care is not an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act, and coverage is handled directly through VSP. Vision services for children are an essential health benefit and are included in all health plans purchased through Covered California.

Enrollment with VSP into vision plans is available year-round, and there are no open enrollment dates.

The link to VSP from CoveredCA.com can be found here: www.CoveredCA.com/individuals-and-families/getting-covered/vision.

Covered California is the state’s marketplace for the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Covered California, in partnership with the California Department of Health Care Services, was charged with creating a new health insurance marketplace in which individuals and small businesses can get access to affordable health insurance plans. Covered California helps individuals determine whether they are eligible for premium assistance that is available on a sliding-scale basis to reduce insurance costs or whether they are eligible for low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Small businesses can purchase competitively priced health insurance plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of plans and may qualify for federal tax credits.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the new market work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.