1. Consumers value vision care, which influences MA plan selection

Vision benefits were the third most considered factor when selecting a health plan. 77% of respondents indicated that the availability of vision coverage either "highly, moderately, or somewhat influenced" their decision.

Health plans should highlight vision benefits within the annual enrollment period marketing and promote them to show members that they care about holistic health.

2. Vision benefits streamline preventive care costs and early detection of disease

Vision benefits ease preventive care and early disease detection, helping reduce costs for plans and members.

Annual eye exams are a long-proven method of identifying more than 270 conditions.¹ Many survey respondents reported the first signs of a chronic disease were detected by their eye doctor during an eye exam, including multiple sclerosis (36%) and autoimmune diseases or strokes (20%). Because Medicare and MA beneficiaries disproportionately carry chronic disease diagnoses, increased early detection via vision benefits could significantly reduce costs.

Health plans should educate members about the importance of comprehensive eye exams to help catch chronic diseases early.

3. Vision services are popular and highly rated, offering a chance to improve member satisfaction

Even when members don’t realize that a comprehensive eye exam can help detect chronic conditions, they still receive their annual eye exam. Of the consumers who had vision coverage through MA, 94% used their annual eye exam benefit, and 67% used their prescription glasses benefit. They are also largely happy with their vision benefits and exams. For example, 95% of respondents who got a vision exam in the past two years were satisfied with their coverage.

Since utilization of annual wellness exams is high, health plans should use them as an opportunity to get patients in the door and potentially identify signs of chronic illness.

4. Members notice changes in their vision coverage, particularly around access

Members ranked the annual eye exam and allowance for prescription eyewear as the most important vision benefits. But when asked what makes a preferred provider, 88% of respondents ranked appointment availability and 74% ranked proximity or convenience in their top three factors that influence their choice of provider.

Health plans should include a covered-in-full annual eye exam in their vision plans, invest in allowing members to customize eyewear coverage, and evaluate their vision provider network every year to ensure that members have consistent access to providers.

Read the full report from VSP®

Celebrating 70 years in business, VSP^® was founded in 1955 as the first not-for-profit eye health company. At VSP^® Vision Care, we believe in providing vision care that goes beyond just correcting eyesight. We're dedicated to offering comprehensive eye care solutions that enhance not only our members' vision but also their overall well-being. As a leading vision insurance provider, we aim to foster eye care connections for a lifetime of well-being.

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This report is sponsored by VSP^® Vision Care, an Advisory Board member organization. Representatives of VSP helped select the topics and issues addressed. Advisory Board experts maintained final editorial approval, and conducted the underlying research independently and objectively. Advisory Board does not endorse any company, organization, product or brand mentioned herein.

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