Editor's note: the County plan has changed for FY 2022. This article has been updated to reflect those changes.
When it comes to vision insurance, both SDPEBA and the County offer different VSP plans. Active County employees who are members of SDPEBA are able to choose between the County or our VSP plans. Normally you might think, “they’re both VSP so aren’t they the same?”
The answer to that is a little complicated!
Comparisons between the Two Plans
SDPEBA's vision plan offers two $150 allowances to put toward glasses or contacts. The plan gives additional savings on sunglasses, retinal screening, and LASIK.
The County's plan offers one $150 allowance to put toward glasses every other year. This allowance resets annually, but you can only put the $150 toward contacts or lenses (not frames) annually.
Both plans offer additional savings on retinal screening, LASIK, featured frames, and more.
The Basics
Both the County and SDPEBA’s version of VSP cover eye exams, purchasing prescription lenses, and give a $150 allowance on frames. Additionally, each plan gives the option for contacts in lieu of frames and offers additional savings on hearing-aids, retinal screening, and LASIK.
Both plans are under the VSP Choice network, which means your standard savings apply to any in-network VSP location and even some retail locations. If you go out-of-network, both plans still offer savings, but you’ll need to file a claim.
The Less Basic
Both plans offer full coverage on standard progressive lenses, coverage on scratch resistant coating, a copay for premium progressive lenses, and a 20-25% discount on other lens enhancements. However, SDPEBA’s plan also offers full coverage for UV-Coating.
Additionally, the County's plan covers polycarbonate lenses for all policy holders. Our plan only offers that coverage to dependent-children and then provides policy holders a 20% coinsurance on the cost of the upgrade. The County plan also allows you to swap your prescription frames for sunglasses.
So... Which should You Get?
Ultimately, each plan is suited for different types of people. If you are like me and need two pairs of glasses because you’re a fashion icon (I'm actually just clumsy and forgetful) then SDPEDA’s plan offers greater savings. But, if you’re just looking for sunglasses or don’t mind being limited on how many pairs of glasses you can get/how long until you replace them, then definitely go for the County’s plan. But ultimately, the price difference is pretty minor!
If you normally just wear contacts, SDPEBA offers a greater allowance and the option to snag a pair of backup glasses for when your eyes are feeling extra dry. Whereas the County offers decent coverage, but only provides a single $150 allowance per year.
If you’re interested in signing up for the County’s plan, you’ll need to head to the County’s site during open enrollment and follow the instructions they provide.
If you’re interested in our plan, you’ll need to sign up via the phone during open enrollment. Call us at 888-315-8027.
If you have any questions, you can check out our VSP page linked here, call us at 888-315-8027, or email us at [email protected].