"The Big Picture" Newsletter
November/December 2009 Issue
You Don’t Need 20/20 to See Why CIGNA Vision is a Smart Choice
Eye care professionals can help identify other serious medical conditions
Providing employees with coverage for regular eye exams is a low cost way to get big returns. Vision problems cost U.S. businesses $8 billion annually in lost productivity1 – that’s a hefty bill to pay for such affordable coverage.
Regular exams are important not only because they detect common vision problems, but also because eye care professionals can help identify other serious medical conditions – such as diabetes, high blood pressure and serious vision problems – which have no warning signs.
Early detection allows treatment to begin sooner, thus slowing or curbing progress of the condition and helping lessen associated costs down the line. For example, the annual cost of blindness related to diabetic retinopathy is about $500 million.2 This disease is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among working-age Americans, but can be detected through regular eye exams.3
We’ve enhanced our CIGNA Vision product to include more than 3,000 different plan design options to meet most clients’ needs. And for a truly broad and affordable benefits package, CIGNA Vision is now available alongside CIGNA Dental Care (DHMO) plans. Vision coverage is often overlooked but highly desired. More important, it’s a low-cost option that proves beneficial not only for employees’ health, but also for the client’s bottom line.
| Understanding Routine Vision Care and Medical Eye Care |
Routine Vision Care
(Available through CIGNA Vision PPO) |
Medical Eye Care
(Included in most CIGNA medical products) |
- In simple terms, routine vision care is when eye care professionals check vision, screen for disease and update prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
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- Medical eye care is the examination and treatment of an eye condition or disease such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, keratoconus, infections, or eye pain and injury.
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- These are considered preventive and wellness services and are not covered under CIGNA's
medical products.
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- Diagnosis of some of these conditions in their later stages may result in a referral to another specialist for surgical care.
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- Routine vision care coverage includes a comprehensive eye exam. Depending on the plan design, it may also provide coverage for eyewear (frames, lenses and contact lenses).
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- In some cases, a routine vision exam can transition to a medical exam if, during the course of the examination, the eye care professional discovers a condition that requires additional testing or a special diagnostic procedure
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Like PB&J, routine vision care and medical eye care are better together
Individuals need both types of coverage. While most medical plans cover medical eye care, they do not cover routine vision care. A routine annual exam can identify eye conditions and diseases early. We all know that prevention and early detection of disease is critical in achieving optimal health and productivity – and saves health care dollars in the process.
It’s important to note that individuals with diabetes who don’t have routine vision coverage are encouraged to get an annual diabetic retinal exam, which is typically included under standard medical plans. Additionally, those with confirmed medical eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, can usually get an annual exam through their medical plan. However, these individuals also need routine vision coverage, or they will be responsible for any non-medical services such as the prescription and cost of eyewear.
1Vision Council of America (VCA), 2007. The Vision in Business report.
2Marcus Clark A., 2000. Vision Benefits Aid Attack on Presenteeism. Employee Benefit News.
3Ann Albright, Ph.D., RD, Congressional Vision Caucus: Overview of diabetes, pre-diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, 2008.
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