Vision Plan
The vision plan provides benefits for you and your eligible dependents for eye exams, eyeglass lenses, eyeglass frames, and contact lenses. The plan has two sets of benefits - those payable for services received through vision care network providers and those payable for services received from a vision care provider outside the vision care network.
For a list of providers in your area, call Vision Service Plan at 800-877-7195 or visit www.vsp.com. Your User ID for the plan and the VSP Web site is your Banner Health employee ID number with three zeroes in front. For example, if your Banner ID number is 123456, your VSP ID number is 000123456.
If you have not accessed the VSP website since October 1, 2006, you will need to re-register as an online user. This does not affect your enrollment or benefits under the plan, just your online access.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for vision coverage if you are scheduled to work 32 hours or more per pay period and are classified as a regular full-time or part-time employee.
Eligible dependents include your:
Proof of dependent eligibility may be required during enrollment. You can elect vision coverage for yourself and eligible dependents even if you do not elect medical coverage.
If you would like to cover a domestic partner, you must call Banner Plan Administration at 1-800-827-2464 or in the Phoenix Metro area 480-827-7070.
What are the choices for coverage?
You can choose vision coverage for:
- Yourself only
- Yourself and your spouse or domestic partner
- Yourself and your eligible child or children
- Yourself and your family
If you feel you do not need any vision coverage, you can choose no coverage under the vision plan option. A comparison of the benefits is available on the 2006 Chart accessible through the list on the left.
How to enroll
You make your vision plan coverage election during your initial eligibility period or during the Annual Enrollment period. You will receive a price sheet showing the dental plan options available to you including your cost of coverage.
You can find step-by-step information on how to enroll by clicking on the "Enroll for Benefits" button located in the top right-hand side of this and any page on this website.
Your coverage begins the first of the month following enrollment unless your hire date is on the first of the month. In this case, your effective date is the same as your hire date. Enrollment must be completed no later than the 30 days after employment or in a newly eligible employment classification. If you wish to enroll at a later date, you may enroll only during the Annual Enrollment period for an effective date of January 1st. If you have a qualifying event, you may be eligible to enroll at other times during the plan year.
What is your cost for coverage?
You and Banner Health share the cost of coverage for vision plan benefits. Your cost for coverage depends on the eligible dependents you choose to cover. The price sheet will show the total cost of coverage and your share of those costs.
Your premiums are collected over the calendar year through 24 regular deductions from your paycheck. Benefit deductions are taken on a pre-tax basis unless coverage is elected for a domestic partner. The costs for coverage are subject to change from year to year.
Where can you find more information?
Information is provided during the Annual Enrollment process,throughout the year at new employee orientation, and through your Benefit Plan representative. You may also review the Vision Service Plan Summary Plan Description. You may receive information during the year regarding claims and explanations of benefits, and other important news on vision plan benefits and services from Banner Plan Administration and/or the carrier. ID cards are not provided, however, you may contact VSP at 1-800-877-7195 or at www.vsp.com/ for verification of coverage.
Continuing Coverage
In the event you leave Banner Health, coverage for you and your qualified covered dependents under IRS Section 125 may be extended through COBRA. For COBRA information, call the COBRA Provider Customer Service number at 1-800-224-1346. The customer service number is available:
- 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Central Time
- 6:00 am - 5:00 pm Mountain Time
- 5:00 am - 4:00 pm Pacific Time
Important to note
This insert contains highlights of your vision plan and benefit comparisons. The details of how the vision plan choices work are included in the legal documents and contracts which govern how the plan operates. In the event of a difference between this insert and the legal documents and contracts, the legal documents and contracts will rule. This insert does not imply a contract of employment or guarantee of benefits. Banner Health reserves the right to change or discontinue all or part of the vision plan benefits at any time for any reason.
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