For as little as $3.27 a month, employees can enroll in the state’s new vision insurance program introduced last year for coverage including:
- Annual routine eye exam
- Allowances and discounts toward eyeglass frames and lenses or contact lenses
- Discount on Lasik/refractive surgery
“As my vision has gotten weaker, the costs started going up, and I found I was having to look at less expensive frames and lenses to stay on a budget,” said Brenda Brown, assistant manager in the Academic and Research Administrative Support department at the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma.
“This year I was able to get the upgraded frames and lenses I really wanted for about $250.”
Sgt. Constance Lake with the UT Health Science Center Police Department agrees the experience has been a positive one.
“I went to one of the providers and received much better care than I’d been getting before,” he said. “Plus, the contacts feel better, the glasses fit well, and I’ve saved money.”
The savings coupled with peace of mind are the reasons Dianne Cox, director of Student Financial Aid at UT Chattanooga, is pleased with the program.
“Overall, I’ve probably saved a couple hundred dollars this year,” she said. “I will definitely keep the plan and probably even upgrade to the expanded package to have more coverage.”
Monthly premiums range from $3.27 to $16.84 depending on plan type and coverage options. Information on enrollment is included in the state’s benefit packet and is available on the state’s website at partnersforhealthtn.gov and on UT’s website atinsurance.tennessee.edu.
Tags: Employee Benefits
