2024 Open Enrollment Period: October 9 - 27, 2023
Vision Coverage Options
Caring for your eyes and keeping your eyesight healthy will benefit you in all aspects of life. All GW COBRA participants are eligible to choose from two voluntary vision plan options.
The GW vision plans are "stand-alone" plans, so you can enroll in vision coverage whether or not you have medical coverage through GW.
Take a look at the table on the next page to evaluate which of the options may be right for you.
Review 2024 contribution rates for vision coverage.
UnitedHealthcare Voluntary Vision Plan Options: Basic Plan vs. Enhanced Plan
GW offers a choice of two voluntary vision plans through UnitedHealthcare: Basic and Enhanced.
| Basic | Enhanced | |
| Co-pays for In-Network Services | ||
| Exam | $0 | $0 |
| Materials | $20 | $20 |
| Benefit Frequency | ||
| Comprehensive Exam | Once every 12 months | Once every 12 months |
| Spectacle Lenses | Once every 12 months | Once every 12 months |
| Frames | Once every 24 months | Once every 12 months |
| Contact Lenses in Lieu of Eye Glasses | Once every 12 months | Once every 12 months |
| Frame Benefit | ||
| Private Practice Provider | $130 | $130 |
| Retail Chain Provider | $130 | $130 |
| Lens Options | ||
| For both the Basic and Enhanced plans, standard scratch-resistant coating lenses are covered in full. (Discount varies by provider.) The Enhanced Plan covers the following additional lens options in full: standard progressive lenses, standard anti-reflective coating, polycarbonate lenses, ultraviolet coating, glass coating and tints. | ||
| Contact Lens Benefit | ||
| Elective contact lenses: fitting / evaluation fees, contact lenses and up to two follow-up visits are covered in full (after copay). If you choose disposable contacts: under the Basic plan, up to four boxes are covered when obtained from a network provider; under the Enhanced plan, up to six boxes are covered. | ||
| Laser Vision Benefit | ||
| UnitedHealthcare Vision has partnered with the QualSight LASIK to provide members with access to discounted laser vision correction procedures. Members receive up to 35% off national pricing. To learn more about laser vision correction, and to find a network surgeon, visit uhc.qualsight.com or call 1-855-321-2020. | ||
In-network, covered-in-full benefits (after applicable copay) include:
- a comprehensive exam
- eye glasses with standard single vision
- lined bifocal or lined tri-focal lenses
- standard scratch-resistant coating and frame or contact lenses in lieu of eye glasses
Refer to the chart above which provides a summary of some of the in-network services and costs. Please visit hr.gwu.edu/vision-benefits for additional details.