Vision Benefits Of America Ripoff Misleading Customer Service Nightmare Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

I am sorry to hear about your experience with VBA (Vision Benefits of America). Let me offer some tips for yourself and others in understanding coverages for insurance plans so hopefully you and everyone else will have a better understanding on how it works and what it covers.

First, companies like VBA and VSP are smaller insurance companies, thus part of the reason why they are not accepted at as many offices. Your larger companies, such as Davisi Vision and Eyemed, have a larger number of plans available and are accepted at a considerable larger number of offices.

Second, not all insurance companies are exactly clear and forthcoming as how their coverage works and the benefit cycles. You have to watch the terminology and guidelines that they use so you will not be stuck in something you do not understand nor like. Look at how they define their benefit cycle. It will be one of two terms, either "calender year" or "date of service" and there is a difference. If it is based on a calender year, that means if you had an exam or glasses done in 2008, you would be eligible again after January 1st, 2009 (or January 1st, 2010 if they go two calender years). Now, if they go by date of service, if you had an exam or materials done on August 7, 2008, you would not be eligible again until August 7th 2009 if on a 12 month cycle or August 7th 2010 if on a 24 month cycle.

Third, look at how the benefit cycles are for each part of your plan (Exam, Frames, Lenses and Contacts) Some insurance plans will usually be on the same cycle across the board for everything (either 12 month, 24 month, one calender year or two calender years) but it isnt the case for the rest of them. Some insurance plans will cover, say the Exam and either new eyeglass lenses or contacts every 12 months (or a calender year) but wont cover for new frames until 24 months (or 2 calender years) has passed.

So, look over what they cover, how their benefit cycles are defined and try to make the best choice possible for you. Should you have any further questions, please call your agent if you are paying for the insurance yourself or contact your Human Resources department at work if this is through your employer.