New vision benefit offered

Michigan Retailers Association is rolling out a new vision benefit called Delta Vision, effective January 1, 2006. This new offering from Delta Dental Plan of Michigan works with ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians to provide optical services and products to participants.

“This valuable benefit will allow MRA members to offer a more complete set of benefits to their families and employees at a reasonable cost,” said James P. Hallan, MRA president and chief operating officer.

“With the addition of Delta Vision to MRA’s suite of benefits, our partnership is expanding access to quality health coverage for MRA members, their employees and families,” said Thomas J. Fleszar, president and chief executive officer of Delta Dental. “Members will now enjoy comprehensive vision care from a network made up of the best eyecare providers in the state.”

Delta Vision offers specially negotiated pricing on eye exams, eyewear and laser vision correction. To further add value, a Delta Vision discount is also available on non-covered services from network providers.

The new service is available for member groups as small as two people. The maximum benefit is $250 per person per calendar year. Co-payments are $10 for exams and $25 for eyewear or contact lenses.

Participants may receive one eye exam and one pair of glasses—including bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses—or contact lenses per year. When using an in-network provider, the benefit pays up to $125 for frames, and the cost of one pair of lenses per year is completely covered for most lens types.

Providers in the Delta Vision network include Grand Rapids Ophthalmology, Henry Ford OptimEyes, Lansing Ophthalmology, Michigan Eye Associates, the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center and many other independent eye care professionals across the state.

Non-participating providers may be used at a higher cost to the participant. If a member uses a provider who is not currently a part of the Delta Vision network, it is possible that the provider will be interested in joining the network after learning about the plan.

Employers can choose to pay between 0 and 100 percent of the cost. The level of participation required depends on which of three levels of coverage is contributed by the employer.

Interested members may sign up now for the benefit, which will become effective January 1, 2006.

Call your MRA regional marketing rep or customer service (800.366.3699) for information about rates or to sign up. General information about Delta Vision is available at www.deltadentalmi.com/deltaVision.