Human Resources

Postdoctoral Fellows - Vision Coverage

Vision Benefits

All Postdoctoral Fellows and their covered dependents who participate in any of Columbia’s medical plans are covered by a basic vision benefit.

Effective January 1, 2023: For enhanced vision benefits, you can elect to purchase optional UHC vision coverage in place of the basic vision coverage for you and your covered dependents. You do not have to be enrolled in a medical plan to purchase this coverage.

To search for a vision provider, log in to myuhc.com, go to the “COVERAGE & BENEFITS” tab, scroll to Vision and click on "Find a Vision Provider."

Basic Vision Coverage

Choice Plus 80:

Adults: One exam every 12 months with a $10 copay.

Children:* One exam every 12 months with a $10 copay.

Benefits apply to both In-Network and Out-of-Network.

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19.

Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

Choice Plus 80:

Adults:** Every 24 months, $20 allowance for single lenses, $30 for bifocal, $40 for trifocal or $75 for lenticular.

Children:* Lenses covered in full every 12 months. More frequently if medically necessary.

Benefits apply to both In-Network and Out-of-Network.

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19.

** Available for either frames and lenses or contact lenses.

Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

Choice Plus 80:

Adults:** $30 allowance every 24 months.

Children:* Up to $100 covered in full every 12 months. More frequently if medically necessary. Cost above $100 covered at 60%.

Benefits apply to both In-Network and Out-of-Network.

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19.

** Available for either frames and lenses or contact lenses.

Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

Choice Plus 80:

Adults:** $75 allowance every 24 months.

Children:* Single purchase of a pair of contact lenses or 1 box of contact lenses per eye covered at 100% every 12 months.

Benefits apply to both In-Network and Out-of-Network.

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19.

** Available for either frames and lenses or contact lenses.

Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

Beginning Jan 1, 2023:

Optional Vision Plan

In-Network Coverage: Adults: One exam every 12 months with a $10 copay. For pregnant/ breastfeeding women and individuals with diabetes, two exams every 12 months with a $10 copay
Out-of-Network Coverage: Adults: One exam every 12 months, plan pays up to $40. For pregnant/ breastfeeding women and individuals with diabetes, two exams every 12 months, plan pays up to $40 per exam

In-Network Coverage: Child(ren):* One exam every 12 months plus one additional exam ages 0–12; with a $10 copay
Out-of-Network Coverage: Child(ren):* One exam every 12 months plus one additional exam ages 0–12; plan pays up to $40 per exam

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19}

^{Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

In-Network Coverage: Adults: Plan pays 100% every 12 months for single vision, lined bifocal, lined trifocal, or lenticular, including standard scratch coating. Additional costs apply for progressive lenses
Out-of-Network Coverage: Adults and Child(ren)*: Every 12 months, up to $40 allowance for single lenses, up to $60 for lined bifocal, up to $80 for lined trifocal or up to $80 for lenticular

In-Network Coverage: Child(ren):* Plan pays 100% every 12 months for polycarbonate lenses, including standard scratch coating. Replacement frames available if prescription change of 0.5 dipter or more
Out-of-Network Coverage

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19}

^{Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

In-Network Coverage: Adults and Child(ren)*: $130 allowance every 12 months. Cost above $130 may be covered at 30% at participating providers***
Out-of-Network Coverage: Adults and Child(ren)*: Up to $45 allowance every 12 months

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19.

*** 30% discount available at most participating provider locations (in network)—may exclude certain frame manufacturers.}

^{Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

In-Network Coverage: Adults and Child(ren)*: Up to 4 boxes for covered formulary contacts, including the fitting/ evaluation fees and up to 2 follow-up visits covered in full. $130 allowance for non-formulary contacts, 100% for medically necessary contacts
Out-of-Network Coverage: Adults and Child(ren)*: $130 allowance for elective contacts, up to $210 allowance for medically necessary contacts

^{* Child is defined as a member less than age 19.}

^{Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

In-Network and Out-of-Network Coverage: Access to discounted laser vision correction through QualSight LASIK; savings of up to 35% of national average price

^{Note: Provider might require payment in full at the time of service. The patient then submits a claim to UHC for reimbursement.}

ID Card

UHC ID cards have member information for medical, vision, and prescription drug coverage. You do not need separate cards for each benefit. After enrolling in a medical plan, it can take three weeks for a UHC ID card to arrive in your mail. If necessary, you can print a temporary UHC ID card two weeks after enrolling. Create an account on myuhc.com to print a temporary ID card. Use your Social Security Number, date of birth, and Group number 712790.