CLEVELAND, November 9 — The BLET National Division is pleased to announce details regarding an improved vision care plan for members beginning next year.
As of January 1, 2013, the Railroad Employees National Vision Plan will be managed by EyeMed Vision instead of VSP. There will be no changes to the Plan design, but there will be several enhancements:
• A larger national network consisting of both independent and retail-affiliated providers, including five of the top six most preferred national retailers (LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical and JC Penny Optical);
• Employees will now receive plan ID cards;
• Greater member discounts (40% versus the current 30%) on complete second pair purchases. There are no restrictions on how often or where a member can use the EyeMed additional pairs discount feature (applies at all in-network locations at any time);
• During the first plan year (2013), each member can receive a $60 discount on non-prescription Ray-Ban polarized sunglasses at a participating provider. Visit the “store locator” at www.rayban.com to locate a participating provider; and
• A no-cost Discount Plan coverage for early retirees will be introduced. This Discount Plan will not be part of the Railroad Employees National Vision Plan but it will provide early retirees with savings on eye exams and material purchases at an EyeMed provider location.
It is expected that members will receive a post card from EyeMed announcing the change from VSP to EyeMed some time in November. In January, members will be mailed new ID cards, information on participating providers, and a Summary of Benefits.
Finally, EyeMed has provided a five-page flyer with specific information regarding the new plan. The flyer includes an important Q&A regarding the transition from VSP to EyeMed as well as EyeMed’s Summary of Benefits. The PDF is available here on the BLET website.