Covered California chooses VSP Vision Care to provide access to quality eye care for Californians

Covered California announced today that it has selected VSP^® Vision Care, the nation's largest healthcare organization by membership, to offer access to vision care coverage for adults throughout the state. Beginning today, consumers can visit Covered California's website which links to VSP's vision insurance offering. Additionally, consumers will be able to sign up for vision coverage throughout the entire year, instead of only during Covered California's open enrollment period.

"We are pleased to be chosen by Covered California and have the opportunity to compete in the market and provide adults throughout California with more access to affordable, quality eye care," said Jim McGrann, President and CEO of VSP Global^®. "Comprehensive eye care delivers proven preventative health benefits and helps keep healthcare costs down. This decision will help close the gap in access to eye care for Californians who get their health insurance through the exchange."

An eye doctor conducting a routine, annual eye exam is often the first healthcare provider to detect signs of serious health conditions, like diabetes, high cholesterol, and other chronic diseases. In fact, a study by HCMS Group showed that patients whose conditions were detected through an eye exam visited the emergency room less frequently, were less likely to be admitted to a hospital for their condition, and required fewer medications to control their condition, improving their wellbeing and reducing their healthcare costs.

"Vision coverage is important for our members' overall health and Covered California has made it easier than ever for them to find quality vision care options through VSP, the industry leader in bringing vision coverage to consumers," said Peter V. Lee, Covered California's Executive Director. "This is just another way Covered California is changing the health insurance landscape and is taking a lead role in helping consumers with all of their health care needs," Lee said.

Vision care is already deemed an essential benefit for children under Covered California, but is not an essential benefit for their parents or other adults who enroll in Covered California. In an effort to connect consumers directly with vision care providers through its web site, Covered California issued a request for proposal in November from vision plans interested in offering vision insurance.