Companion Life Insurance: What Vision Benefits Are Covered?

Companion Life Insurance Company has been in the business of employee benefits for over 50 years, offering a range of insurance products in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The company provides group and voluntary insurance, including health and accident insurance, as well as dental and vision care. With an AM Best rating of A+ (Superior) for 22 consecutive years, Companion Life is committed to putting its policyholders and their families first. The company offers flexible options, including short-term medical insurance and group supplemental expense coverage, giving clients and employees a range of choices. In addition to insurance, Companion Life also provides added perks like the EPIC Hearing Services Plan and a Vision Discount Plan, ensuring that employees and their families have access to comprehensive care.

Annual eye exams

Why Annual Eye Exams are Important

The eyes are constantly changing, and even individuals with 20/20 vision can benefit from yearly eye exams. Eye exams are not just about checking your vision, but also about detecting early signs of eye health issues and other serious health conditions. For example, an optometrist can closely examine the inside of your eye, including the retina, blood vessels, and optic nerves, which are direct extensions of your brain. By doing so, they can detect over 270 serious health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.

Frequency of Eye Exams

The recommended frequency of eye exams can vary depending on age, risk factors, and whether corrective lenses are already being worn. According to the American Optometry Association, here is a general guideline on how often to get your eyes checked:

• Birth to 2 years: At least one eye exam between the ages of 6 and 12 months
• 3 to 5 years: At least one eye exam between these ages
• 6 to 17 years: Before first grade and annually thereafter
• 18 to 39 years: At least every two years
• 40 to 64 years: At least every year
• 65 years and older: Annually

However, individuals with risk factors, such as a personal or family history of ocular disease, occupations that are visually demanding, or taking medications with ocular side effects, may need to have their eyes examined more frequently.

What to Expect During an Annual Eye Exam

• Visual acuity test: This measures your clarity of vision using an eye chart.
• Refraction test: This determines your prescription for glasses or contact lenses by fine-tuning lenses to achieve clear vision.
• Evaluation of eye movements, coordination, and focusing ability
• Assessment of eye health, including the examination of the retina, optic nerve, and other structures
• Measurement of eye pressure to screen for glaucoma
• Additional tests as deemed necessary by the eye care professional based on individual needs and concerns

In-network optometrists and ophthalmologists

Companion Life Insurance offers a Vision Discount Plan with EyeMed Vision Care. This plan provides access to thousands of vision care providers, including in-network optometrists and ophthalmologists. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both eye doctors, but their roles differ.

Optometrists focus on primary vision and eye care. They perform eye exams and vision tests, prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, monitor eye conditions related to diseases, and manage and treat conditions like dry eye and glaucoma. Optometrists obtain a doctor of optometry degree after a four-year professional program, but they do not attend medical school.

On the other hand, ophthalmologists are medical doctors who can treat complicated eye problems with surgery or other procedures. They attend medical school, followed by a 1-year internship and a 3-year residency, sometimes with an additional 1-2 year fellowship. Ophthalmologists offer comprehensive eye care services, including vision services (eye exams), medical eye care for conditions like glaucoma and chemical burns, and surgical eye care for trauma, cataracts, glaucoma, and other issues. They also diagnose and treat eye conditions related to other diseases, such as diabetes or arthritis.

With Companion Life's Vision Discount Plan, members can access in-network optometrists and ophthalmologists nationwide, benefiting from personalized care and exclusive savings. This network of providers ensures that individuals can receive the eye care they need, whether it be primary vision care from an optometrist or more specialised treatment from an ophthalmologist.

Vision insurance plans

One example of a vision insurance provider is Companion Life, which offers a Vision Discount Plan at no additional cost to employees enrolled in any of their dental insurance plans. Companion Life's network includes thousands of in-network optometrists and ophthalmologists located nationwide, providing members with personalized care and exclusive savings.

Another vision insurance option is available through UnitedHealthcare, which offers branded vision plans underwritten by Golden Rule Insurance Company. These plans provide benefits to help individuals cover and budget for ongoing vision care expenses. UnitedHealthcare's large national network of vision service and eyewear providers allows individuals to save money by choosing an in-network provider.

Overall, vision insurance plans provide valuable coverage for individuals and families, helping them manage the costs of eye care and maintain their eye health. By offering benefits such as routine eye exams and prescription eyewear coverage, these plans ensure that individuals can take care of their vision and choose the eyewear that best suits their needs.

EyeMed discount plan

Companion Life Insurance provides an EyeMed discount plan for employees enrolled in any of its dental insurance plans, even if the dental group does not purchase a funded vision insurance plan.

The EyeMed Vision Care network offers a range of accessible options for eye care, with thousands of vision care providers, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and optical locations.

Being an EyeMed member comes with several benefits and perks. Members have access to exclusive savings and special offers, such as discounts on a second pair of glasses or frames, lenses, and lens options. EyeMed also provides members with discounts on laser vision correction through nationwide providers within the U.S. Laser Vision network.

Additionally, EyeMed has partnered with Amplifon, the nation's largest independent hearing discount network, to include affordable hearing care as part of their vision benefits package. EyeMed also offers a Vision Abroad benefit, ensuring coverage for lost or broken glasses while traveling internationally. Members can also take advantage of online shopping benefits, allowing them to use their benefits to shop for the latest brands at major retail sites.

Eye care options

Companion Life Insurance Company offers a range of eye care options to meet your needs. They understand the importance of eye health and its connection to your overall health. Here are some of the eye care options available:

• Annual Eye Exams: Companion Life Insurance emphasizes the importance of annual eye exams, even for those with 20/20 vision. Regular eye exams can help detect signs of health conditions before they progress, potentially preserving your vision. They provide access to a vast network of in-network optometrists and ophthalmologists across the nation, ensuring personalized care and exclusive savings when visiting a VSP® in-network doctor.
• Vision by Design Network: This option offers a comprehensive range of accessible eye care services through EyeMed Vision Care®. Insureds can access thousands of vision care providers, including optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and numerous optical locations. This network may not be available in all states, so it is essential to check the availability in your specific state.
• Vision Discount Plan: Companion Life provides an EyeMed discount plan at no additional cost to employees enrolled in any Companion Life dental insurance plan, even if their dental group does not have a funded vision insurance plan. This option ensures that employees can access eye care services at a discounted rate, promoting regular eye health check-ups.
• Short-Term Medical Insurance: While primarily focused on providing short-term medical coverage, this insurance option can also be beneficial for eye care. It serves as an alternative to COBRA or provides interim coverage for individuals, ensuring continuous eye care during transitional periods.

By offering these eye care options, Companion Life Insurance demonstrates its commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible eye care solutions for its customers. These options not only help detect potential health issues early on but also make eye care more affordable and convenient.

Frequently asked questions