Benefeds Vision

[WVI]

Good Day Vets.
I'm considering trying one of the Benefeds vision providers for 2022, and am looking for opinions as to the worth of the planes, or if there is a preferred.

As of now, I am considering:
Aetna
Blue Shield
MetLife

VSP and United are a no-go for me based on previous use and benifits vs cost on thier websites.

I have used the VA, but am not happy at all with the results..

Thanks for any advice.

[LFOD]

My wife and I have been using Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision (PPO High) for a couple years now and have had no issues. It's $24.03/month for our location, and that covers both of us. Never been charged for an exam, and most of the cost of a new pair of glasses is covered each year. We use the coverage at our local Visionworks Store.

[dizcom]

We've tried a bunch over the years. They're all about the same, except for where you get the discounted glasses. Pick the one that covers the location where you like to get glasses and has coverage for any other eye services you need.



If all you need are glasses, the cost of the coverage and the cost of the discounted glasses add up to almost exactly what you would pay if you didn't pay for the coverage and just went and purchased glasses on your own. Most eyeglass places around here give free eye exams if you buy glasses from them.

[Sandman]

TFL pays for one exam a year.. and DOD gives retirees a free pair of glasses a year..


Cheaper for me to just buy my "good" glasses and sunglasses when needed.

[WVI]

Thanks Folks.
I'm leaning towards Blue Shield.
I'm limited on Eye Docs around here.
Ususally the frames I like are more than I'm willing to pay.
I don't have TFL, and not sure about the DOD route. I seem to recall looking into that some time back and it didn't work out.

[jfriedhoff]

Originally Posted by Sandman

TFL pays for one exam a year.. and DOD gives retirees a free pair of glasses a year..


Cheaper for me to just buy my "good" glasses and sunglasses when needed.

Interesting comment about "DOD free glasses once a year for retirees" - Can you share more information about this benefit?

Thanks

[Old-Biscuit]

I am not a VA Retiree.
I am 30% disabled Veteran
Last Month I was at the VA Hospital to get a Cat Scan so while there I stopped by the Eye Glass Center.
I had recently had an Eye Exam so I had my RX with me
*VA Hospital doesn't have an Optometrist so they had sent me to a Local Civilian one for exam/Rx
Got a pair of glasses/frames for free. Nice selection of frames and the glasses were progressive lenses.
Mailed them to me 3 weeks later.

Lady at Eye Center said the VA is now providing free eyeglasses & hearing aids Once a year

So check with your local VA Medical Center........

[jfriedhoff]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

I am not a VA Retiree.
I am 30% disabled Veteran
Last Month I was at the VA Hospital to get a Cat Scan so while there I stopped by the Eye Glass Center.
I had recently had an Eye Exam so I had my RX with me
*VA Hospital doesn't have an Optometrist so they had sent me to a Local Civilian one for exam/Rx
Got a pair of glasses/frames for free. Nice selection of frames and the glasses were progressive lenses.
Mailed them to me 3 weeks later.

Lady at Eye Center said the VA is now providing free eyeglasses & hearing aids Once a year

So check with your local VA Medical Center........

Ok Thanks - Was figuring it might be a VA benefit (Dept of Veterans Affairs vs. DOD (Dept of Defense) as mentioned. Kinda anal about small print items (facts), given my post military career and years on active duty officer in a Secondary assignment as Govt Purchasing Contracting Officer (PCO) having to interpret/draft and negotiate/enforce/award the 'small print'.

[WVI]

Thanks for the additional info!