Vision Options
Information and Support for Faculty and Staff
Special Note: If you are covered by a UNI Group Health Plan you, and anyone on your plan, are eligible for one covered routine eye exam, once per calendar year. The in-network exam will be covered at 100% on each plan. For an out-of-network exam on the UNI PPO (Alliance Select) you will be charged 30% coinsurance after your deductible is met.
The university offers benefit eligible employees three options for covering vision expenses. You cannot use more than one option for the same service or purchase.
Eligibility
Non-temporary Employees
Non-temporary employees must work at least 20 (50%) hours per week and have an appointment for nine (9) months or greater.
Temporary Unit Faculty
Temporary unit faculty are eligible for vision insurance when their current assignment is 50% or greater FTE and they also had a 25% or greater FTE assignment in the prior academic semester or prior academic year.
| Life Event | Coverage Starts | Days to Initiate a Change |
|---|---|---|
| New Hire | Based on your start date, coverage begins on the first day of the next month. | 30 Days After the Event |
| Qualifying Employment Event | Based on the event date, coverage begins on the first day of the next month | 30 Days After the Event |
| Qualifying Life Events | Based on the event date, coverage begins on the first day of the next month. | 30 Days After the Event |
| Adoption, Placement for Adoption | Coverage starts as of the date on the adoption decree. | 60 Days After the Event |
| Birth | Coverage starts the date the baby is born. | 60 Days After the Event |
| Open Enrollment | Changes not associated with a life event must be made during the Annual Open Enrollment period. These changes will be effective on January 1 of the upcoming year. | Defined Open Enrollment Period |
| Life Event | Coverage Ends |
|---|---|
| Reduction in Working Hours | Coverage ends on the last day of the month the appointment is no longer eligible. |
| Separation of Employment | Coverage ends on the last day of the separation month. |
| Qualifying Life Events | Coverage will end the last day of the life event month. |
| Open Enrollment | If there are changes to end coverage during the Annual Open Enrollment period, coverage will end December 31 of the current year. |
Benefit Enrollment
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When You Can Make Changes to Your Benefits
Annual Open Enrollment
If you do not make any changes during open enrollment your coverage selection will remain the same.
Qualifying Life Event
You may also enroll, waive, or change your coverage selection based on a qualifying life event.
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How to Make Changes to Your Benefits
UNI Employee Benefits Self-Service
Benefits Self-Service System is designed to help you enroll, make changes, and view your current benefit elections all in one location. For additional support, visit the Benefits Self-Service Help site.
Coverage
Coverage is available for:
- Yourself
- Your spouse
- Common law spouse or domestic partner
- Children to age 26;
- Children who are unmarried full-time students over the age of 26;
- Qualified children over age 26 who are totally and permanently disabled, provided the disability existed prior to age 26.
Vision Options
The university offers benefit eligible employees three options for covering vision expenses. You cannot use more than one option for the same service or purchase.
Special Note: If you are covered by a UNI Group Health Plan you, and anyone on your plan, are eligible for one covered routine eye exam, once per calendar year. The in-network exam will be covered at 100% on each plan. For an out-of-network exam on the UNI PPO (Alliance Select) you will be charged 30% coinsurance after your deductible is met.
Delta Dental DeltaVision® Discount Program
University of Northern Iowa non-temporary employees enrolled in Delta Dental of Iowa are automatically eligible for a vision discount program with DeltaVision® by EyeMed at no extra cost.
Present your Delta Dental ID at a participating provider to take advantage of the following features:
- Discounts on eye exams
- Discounted pricing for lens and lens options
- Savings on eyeglass frames and conventional contact lenses
- Unlimited use
- Discounts on LASIK and PRK
- Competitive pricing on contact lenses through Contact Lens by Mail
- Access to a large, diverse network of providers
To take advantage of this discount, simply locate a DeltaVision® provider by calling 1-866-559-5252 or visit the DeltaVision® website. When you schedule your appointment inform the office that you are a Delta Dental member with a DeltaVision® discount plan. Once you arrive at your appointment, present your Delta Dental DeltaVision® ID card to receive the discounted services.
This vision discount plan offered by Delta Dental will not work in conjunction with Avesis Vision insurance – you must use one or the other.
Avēsis Vision Insurance
Vision insurance is offered through the Avēsis Vision Vendor. Avēsis provides a member resources platform and a mobile app for its products and services.
UNI offers two insurance plans to eligible employees.
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Materials Only Plan
This plan covers glasses or contact lenses at a discounted rate for employees and covered dependents.
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Exam and Materials Plan
This plan covers one routine eye exam per year after paying a $10 copayment and discounted rates on materials.
| Coverage | Employee 1/12 Annual Premium | Employee Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $10.23 | $122.76 |
| Family | $23.54 | $282.48 |
| Coverage | Employee 1/12 Annual Premium | Employee Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $14.65 | $175.80 |
| Family | $33.11 | $397.32 |
The only option to continue vision insurance coverage once you are no longer eligible, or you are leaving employment, is through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).
Other vision options may be available to you through the Iowa Retired School Personnel Association (IRSPA).
Blue365® Health and Wellness Deals
If you are a member of a health insurance plan offered at UNI, then you are eligible for savings through the Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Company member discounts. Discounts may be available for vision materials purchases. Some deals will give you a coupon code instantly on the Blue365® site. This coupon code can be applied directly to a purchase on a vendor’s website or will provide a discounted option on a product or service.
Blue365®also provides the same EyeMed Discount that UNI's Dental Plan offers. Discounts on frames, lenses, and lense options are available. View the flyer for more details.
Other deals may take you to a vendor’s website directly to make a discounted purchase or enroll in a special discounted program instantly.
Blue365® Categories
- Fitness
- Healthy Eating
- Personal Care
- Lifestyle
- Financial Health
- Wellness
Principal Discounts and Services
Overview
Through your group benefits with Principal Life Insurance Company, you are eligible for several discounts and services. Use them to help make a positive impact on your physical and fiscal well-being. Offered by some of the most trusted companies in the U.S., these discounts and services are one more way Principal Life gives you an edge. These discounts are not insurance.
Eligibility
The discounts and services listed here are available to members, and/or their dependents or beneficiaries, with group coverage underwritten by or with administrative services provided by Principal Life Insurance Company.
Available With All Products
Laser Vision Correction – Through the National Lasik Network, administered by LCA-Vision, Inc., you, your spouse and dependent children receive savings on one of the most frequently performed elective surgeries in America. The discount includes 15% off standard pricing or 5% off promotional pricing. www.principallasik.com or 888-647-3937
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1Q: How do I use my Avēsis vision benefits?
When you need to see an eye care professional you will want to find a participating provider to get the most out of your benefits. Once a participating provider has been established, call and identify yourself as an Avēsis member and schedule an appointment. Present your ID card and you will need to pay any co-pays and expenses not covered under the vision program.
- 2Q: How do I find an Avēsis participating provider?
Call Avēsis, Monday through Friday, 7am to 5pm (MST) at 1-800-828-9341 or visit the Avēsis Customer Service Representatives web page. The Avēsis website has the most current listing of participating providers.
- 3Q: How do I find a LASIK provider?
Avēsis has contracted with participating providers to provide discounts for LASIK surgery. You may call 1-888-314-4619 for additional information or to locate a participating LASIK provider in your area.
LASIK Discounts are also available through DeltaVision® and Blue365®.
- 4Q: What happens if I use an out-of-network provider?
Members who elect to use an out-of-network provider must pay the provider in full at the time of service and submit a claim to Avēsis for reimbursement. Reimbursement levels are in accordance with the out-of-network reimbursement schedule previously listed. Out-of-network claim forms can be obtained by contacting Avēsis’ Customer Service center or by visiting the Avēsis website.
- 5Q: Are temporary employees eligible for vision insurance?
Temporary Non-Faculty employees are not eligible for the Avēsis vision plan. Non-temporary employees who work at least half-time or more and are appointed for nine (9) months or longer are eligible for this plan. Temporary Faculty members who meet the eligibility per the Faculty Handbook would be eligible for all three vision options.
- 6Q: I wear progressive lenses; what is the reimbursement rate for these lenses?
You receive 20% off the retail price of the lenses and an additional $50 allowance. For example: if your progressive lenses are $200, the 20% discount will bring you to $160 and then you will receive a $50 allowance - you pay $110 out of pocket.
- 7Q: What are specialty lenses?
Specialty lenses are 'add-ons' to your lens. Examples include scratch coating, polycarbonate upgrade, tinting, and anti-reflective. You will receive the standard lens at 100% and will receive a 20% discount off specialty lenses.
- 8Q: Does my health insurance offer an eye exam as part of my benefit?
Yes.
- 9Q: Am I eligible for a reduced premium if my spouse also works at UNI?
The university does not subsidize the cost of the voluntary vision plans, so there is not a reduced premium if both spouses for the university.
- 10Q: How do I request a new Insurance ID or vision discount card?
Avēsis Vision Plan
ID cards are not required to obtain services. If members choose to carry an ID card, a paper version can be printed from the member portal of the Avēsis website.
Delta Dental EyeMed Vision Care Discount Card