Vision Plan
The vision insurance plan that the University participates in through the State of Iowa has an open enrollment annually in the January/February time frame.
The annual open enrollment period on the State Of Iowa voluntary vision coverage for Faculty and Staff of the University of Iowa is now through February 28, 2013. The effective date for all changes is April 1, 2013 and remember, if you participate in one of these plans, you must remain in the insurance for one contract year which runs from 4/1/2013 through 3/31/2014.
The State of Iowa offers two competing vendors for their vision plan. One vendor is AVESIS and the other is EyeMed. The AVESIS program is accepted in Wal-Mart and many other local providers. EyeMed includes providers such as Lens Crafters, Sears, Pearl Vision, JCPenney, Target, and other local providers. If a particular provider is important to you, it is important you review and select the vendor that best meets your needs.
Please note that once enrolled, a life event or the annual open enrollment are the only ways you have to make a change or drop from the plan coverage. You are making a commitment for a one-year period of time.
During open enrollment, if you wish to enroll with one of the vendors you must enroll online through the following web site: www.benefitiowa.com.
This plan is voluntary. There is no University of Iowa contribution. These premiums cannot be paid with pre-tax dollars, nor, can they be paid from an individual’s health care spending account.
For claim questions, location of providers, any reimbursement questions, or questions concerning enrollment, you should contact Two Rivers Insurance Services at 1-800-728-9620, extension #8422. Two Rivers Insurance Services is the local agency for the State of Iowa’s vision plan.
KEY INFORMATION FOR THE 2013 OPEN ENROLLMENT
* The AVESIS plan design and premium for coverage remains the same as in the past two years. If you are presently enrolled in AVESIS coverage and not interested in making changes, do nothing to remain enrolled.
* The EyeMed plan design and premium for coverage remains the same, as in this past year. If you are presently enrolled in the EyeMed coverage and not interested in making changes, do nothing to remain enrolled.
If you elect to move from one plan to the other, an enrollment/change form is needed to cancel coverage in the one plan and a new enrollment/change form is required for the new plan.
If you wish to terminate your coverage, you must complete an enrollment/change form. The month of February is the only time during the year you can terminate your coverage.
Further detail and enrollment/change forms are provided on www.benefitiowa.com or call 319-758-8422 or 800-728-9620 Ext 8422.