Warning: FEDVIP and parents of college-age dependents

[Anonymous]

We’ve had FEDVIP vision and dental coverage, in addition to BCBS FEP for 20+ years. My oldest child is a college senior and on the older side for her grade (fall birthday). In the late summer, about two months before her birthday, we got two letters in the mail— identical except one was for FEDVIP dental (we have MetLife) and the other for vision (we have VSP). They informed us that as of her 22nd birthday, she would no longer be covered by either of these plans as our dependent. Our regular medical insurance covers her till she’s 26 but the vision and dental plans stop at 22. So now she doesn’t have that coverage until she finds employment after graduation. (Working on it, but in her field applications are just opening.) Since she was away at school she wasn’t able to see our regular dentist and eye doctor before the coverage ended (she also wears both contacts and glasses). Fortunately she was able to use our BCBS medical insurance for a dental checkup and cleaning for just a $35 copay, but now we are waiting and crossing fingers that her teeth and eyes stay healthy till she’s got a job.

Just a word of warning because this caught us completely by surprise and I’m sure there are other Feds in the same position.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’ve had FEDVIP vision and dental coverage, in addition to BCBS FEP for 20+ years. My oldest child is a college senior and on the older side for her grade (fall birthday). In the late summer, about two months before her birthday, we got two letters in the mail— identical except one was for FEDVIP dental (we have MetLife) and the other for vision (we have VSP). They informed us that as of her 22nd birthday, she would no longer be covered by either of these plans as our dependent. Our regular medical insurance covers her till she’s 26 but the vision and dental plans stop at 22. So now she doesn’t have that coverage until she finds employment after graduation. (Working on it, but in her field applications are just opening.) Since she was away at school she wasn’t able to see our regular dentist and eye doctor before the coverage ended (she also wears both contacts and glasses). Fortunately she was able to use our BCBS medical insurance for a dental checkup and cleaning for just a $35 copay, but now we are waiting and crossing fingers that her teeth and eyes stay healthy till she’s got a job.

Just a word of warning because this caught us completely by surprise and I’m sure there are other Feds in the same position.

That’s normal.

[Anonymous]

OP, we were also caught by surprise. You might want to check your local ACA Marketplace. I am able to cover DC on a dental plan with me offered through the marketplace. OFC, it is not subsidized in any way, but there are varying levels of coverage plans available. I pay less than $40/month for both of us for a basic plan.

Our state (MD) also offers vision coverage through VSP, which has worked fine for our basic annual optic exam and contacts/glasses benefit. Again, VSP is not subsidized but is reasonably priced.

[Anonymous]

VSP is basically a waste. You are required to go to certain providers who give you a "free" exam, but then you pay exorbitant prices for glasses and contacts. Just go to Costco for your eye exam, then buy your contacts and glasses online. Even if you need to try on glasses before you buy, many online sites now allow that or you could go to a Warby Parker store. You'll still come out ahead versus paying for the VSP plan then going to a VSP provider for your contacts and glasses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VSP is basically a waste. You are required to go to certain providers who give you a "free" exam, but then you pay exorbitant prices for glasses and contacts. Just go to Costco for your eye exam, then buy your contacts and glasses online. Even if you need to try on glasses before you buy, many online sites now allow that or you could go to a Warby Parker store. You'll still come out ahead versus paying for the VSP plan then going to a VSP provider for your contacts and glasses.

I have VSP and while I have to use the VSP provider for an eye exam, I don't have to use them for contact lens benefit. I buy my glasses online, which is pretty cheap (less than Warby Parker). It's not mandatory to buy glasses and contact lenses from the VSP provider.

[Anonymous]

Have her see an actual MD for an eye exam. Then it will be covered by medical insurance. Although the contacts won’t be covered, there are actually discounts you can find online that are actually pretty close to the vsp price. Also, although the contact fitting won’t be covered, you don’t really need that, just order the same fitting measurements as last time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VSP is basically a waste. You are required to go to certain providers who give you a "free" exam, but then you pay exorbitant prices for glasses and contacts. Just go to Costco for your eye exam, then buy your contacts and glasses online. Even if you need to try on glasses before you buy, many online sites now allow that or you could go to a Warby Parker store. You'll still come out ahead versus paying for the VSP plan then going to a VSP provider for your contacts and glasses.

Depends on the plan. It fully covers our eye doctor of choice. And, we get a huge discount on expensive glasses.

[Anonymous]

I've never had dental or vision insurance in my life. Just pay out of pocket.

[Anonymous]

We've always paid out of pocket. Not sure why this is a big deal for you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've never had dental or vision insurance in my life. Just pay out of pocket.

Question for those of you who pay out of pocket without dental insurance:

Do you find that most dentists have a "cash price" that is lower than what they submit to an insurance company? I know my dentist sends a bill to the insurance company that is like $200 for the exam -- but then the dental insurance says their price is $115 and they pay that much and the rest is wiped away. So, does your dental office manager tell you that they are giving you a discounted fee since you are paying right after being treated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VSP is basically a waste. You are required to go to certain providers who give you a "free" exam, but then you pay exorbitant prices for glasses and contacts. Just go to Costco for your eye exam, then buy your contacts and glasses online. Even if you need to try on glasses before you buy, many online sites now allow that or you could go to a Warby Parker store. You'll still come out ahead versus paying for the VSP plan then going to a VSP provider for your contacts and glasses.

Depends on the plan. It fully covers our eye doctor of choice. And, we get a huge discount on expensive glasses.

Look up the model of those expensive glasses. It should be embossed on the arms. Google it and see how much it sells for online. The VSP providers sell glasses frames for $500 that cost like $1 to make. The markup is insane. That's why they are willing to give you the eye exam for "free."

[Anonymous]

Vote better

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VSP is basically a waste. You are required to go to certain providers who give you a "free" exam, but then you pay exorbitant prices for glasses and contacts. Just go to Costco for your eye exam, then buy your contacts and glasses online. Even if you need to try on glasses before you buy, many online sites now allow that or you could go to a Warby Parker store. You'll still come out ahead versus paying for the VSP plan then going to a VSP provider for your contacts and glasses.

I have VSP and while I have to use the VSP provider for an eye exam, I don't have to use them for contact lens benefit. I buy my glasses online, which is pretty cheap (less than Warby Parker). It's not mandatory to buy glasses and contact lenses from the VSP provider.

If you have a VSP provider that willingly hands over the prescription after the eye exam, please share the name. Sure, they're legally required to do it but that doesn't mean they actually will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've never had dental or vision insurance in my life. Just pay out of pocket.

My life irrationally sucks so yours should too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VSP is basically a waste. You are required to go to certain providers who give you a "free" exam, but then you pay exorbitant prices for glasses and contacts. Just go to Costco for your eye exam, then buy your contacts and glasses online. Even if you need to try on glasses before you buy, many online sites now allow that or you could go to a Warby Parker store. You'll still come out ahead versus paying for the VSP plan then going to a VSP provider for your contacts and glasses.

I have VSP and while I have to use the VSP provider for an eye exam, I don't have to use them for contact lens benefit. I buy my glasses online, which is pretty cheap (less than Warby Parker). It's not mandatory to buy glasses and contact lenses from the VSP provider.

If you have a VSP provider that willingly hands over the prescription after the eye exam, please share the name. Sure, they're legally required to do it but that doesn't mean they actually will.

Just ask for it. We've done this for years - My Eye Doctor, Colonial Vision, etc. Have bought glasses and contact lenses online for the entire family for about 15 years. Since now young adult child was in second grade and kept breaking glasses (BTW, the $20 you pay at the store for the warranty, works one time, in case you were wondering).