Program

We are pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2007, Vision Service Plan (VSP)
(Group #12292796)will provide administration of vision benefits and claims on behalf of the employer-paid California State University (CSU) Vision Plan. VSP is replacing Medical Eye Services (MES)/Blue Shield. The CSU provides one vision plan for all eligible employees and their dependents. Employees who are eligible for benefits will be automatically enrolled in the plan.

Eligibility

You are eligible to enroll if the initial appointment is halftime or greater and the appointment exceeds six months. In addition, lecturers with a time base of .40 or greater who are appointed for an academic year or two quarter appointment are eligible.
Please download the Lecturer Benefit Eligibility Criteria (PDF) for additional information.

Plan Premium

Vision plan is currently employer-paid.

Choice of Providers

You may select any licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist, or dispensing optician to provide services covered under this benefit, including such providers outside of California. However, the highest benefit is received when using a participating provider from the VSP Provider list. The participating provider will verify benefits and eligibility and obtain authorization from Vision Service Plan.

Access Benefits

Effective January 1, 2007, employees will be able to complete an online member registration enrollment to create a user identification (ID) and password, for the purpose of viewing his/her vision benefits at www.vsp.com.  There are no ID cards or filling out claim forms under this plan.   The employee only needs to provide the Group # 12292796.Forms can download for an out-of-network reimbursement form (PDF) or VDTclaim form (PDF).

• More Convenient Customer Service Hours
  VSP offers extended customer service hours, and their representatives are available Monday - Friday,  5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. via their toll-free telephone number: 
  (800) 877-7195.
• Account Information Access 
  VSP has an automated Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system and Website that is available 24 hours a day, for the purposes of providing personalized information on eligibility, plan coverage, past service, online messaging to customer service, as well as information regarding doctors in the VSP Select Network. The VSP website is: http://www.vsp.com.
• Commitment to Eye Health
  VSP has developed a comprehensive Eye Health Management Program that includes: eye education, Patient Eyecare Report, Diabetes Awareness Program, communication with participants’ Primary Care Physician (PCP), and Eye on Health, an annual eye wellness newsletter.

 

Benefit Plan Enhancements

In addition, beginning in 2007, the following enhancements will be offered to eligible CSU employees.  An overview of the program can be found in the CSU VSP announcement (PDF).

     

• The in-network frame allowance increases from $90.00 to $95.00;
     
• The out-of-network frame allowance increases from $45.00 to $60.00;
    
• The in-network contact lens allowance increases from $110.00 to $120.00;
    
• Polycarbonate lenses are covered for dependent children in-network up to age 23, instead of age 12; and
    
• Discounts of approximately 15% for laser correction surgery are available.

CO-Payment

A $10 co-payment is required.

 

Video Display Terminal (VDT) Benefit

All active employees (dependents are not eligible) who utilize a video display terminal four (4) or more hours per day on a regular basis as provided in their job description shall be eligible for the VDT program as follows:

• lenses every other calendar year¹
     - single vision, lined bifocal and lined trifocal lenses
   
• frames every other calendar year
   
• Exam:  $10 co-payment is required

¹New lenses will be approved and replaced every calendar year if at least one of the following criteria is met:

• - The new prescription differs from the original by at least a .50 diopter sphere or cylinder
      
• - There is a change in the axis of 15 degrees or more
      
• - A difference in vertical prism greater than one prism