If your doctor is a participating physician they are capable of electronically downloading your authorization for service.  First, verify that you or your dependent are eligible for service by logging on here.  If your doctor does not participate with VBA you will have to pay for services and submit a claim for reimbursement (which may result in higher out of pocket amounts).

Your plan will provide a complete vision exam, clear lenses and a quality frame at no out-of-pocket cost to you other than any applicable copayment amounts. However, should you select optional items that may not be covered, such as tinted lenses, photograys or progressive no-line bifocals, there will be additional charges that you will be responsible for. Additionally, frames whose acquisition cost exceeds the plan’s wholesale frame allowance will also result in extra charges.

Even though these optional items aren’t covered under the plan, the amounts you will be charged are strictly controlled by VBA and are considered fair and reasonable. Ask the VBA Provider if the items you select would result in any additional charges.

NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGES BEFORE YOU SIGN THE BENEFIT FORM. VBA MONITORS ALL ADDITIONAL CHARGES TO INSURE THAT THEY ARE CORRECT.

You should proceed in the same manner as if you were going to get glasses. We would advise, however, that you shop around for both a provider and a price that you are comfortable with, since the cost of contacts is not controlled by VBA. You will simply be reimbursed up to your plan’s maximum allowance toward the total retail cost of the contact lenses and/or contact lens exam.

If you use disposable contacts and purchase replacement contacts every few months, it is best to accumulate paid receipts up to your maximum allowance and then submit one claim form in order to receive the full benefit.

Under the plan, you may use any provider you wish. After you have received your exam and/or materials, simply attach your itemized receipts (exam cost, frame cost and the type and cost of lenses) to your VBA benefit form and return it to VBA. Reimbursements are made biweekly and are in the amounts printed in your VBA Benefits Brochure.

If you wish to use a non-participating doctor for your exam, you may still use a VBA Participating Provider to obtain your glasses. VBA Providers who will dispense glasses from another doctor’s prescription are indicated with an asterisk in the in the VBA Providers’ List. You must take both the benefit form and the prescription to the VBA Provider. The receipt for your non-participating doctor exam should be returned to VBA, along with a note including the name of your employer and your social security number. You will be reimbursed directly for your exam according to the schedule printed in your benefits pamphlet.

NOTE: If any problems arise with your glasses or contacts due to an inaccurate prescription written by a Non-Participating Doctor, neither VBA nor the Participating Provider assume any responsibility.