FAQs

After you enroll, you will receive a confirmation email or letter. Once you receive confirmation, you may use your plan the same day.

Using your in-network benefits is simple.

• Log in to the VBA Member Portal to confirm eligibility for services and materials.
• Use our online Provider Finder to search for doctors in the VBA network.
• Schedule an appointment with the provider and let the office know you have a vision plan through VBA prior to receiving services or purchasing materials.
• The provider will submit all claims for selected services and materials directly to VBA.
• The provider will discuss and collect any copayments and/or out-of-pocket expenses from you, if applicable.

On rare occasions, a provider may discontinue participation in our network without proper notice. When making your appointment, please verify participation to avoid any inconvenience.

VBA Solo makes a great gift for friends, family, recent retirees or graduates. VBA Solo plans cannot be purchased for current VBA members.

You will need your member ID number to log in to the VBA Member Portal and to schedule an appointment with your in-network provider.

• The member ID is the last four digits of the covered member’s SSN.

VBA has simplified the process. You do not need an ID card to make an appointment or visit your in-network provider.

• An ID card is not needed to receive services or materials from an in-network provider.
• When making your appointment, tell your in-network provider you have a vision plan through VBA.
• You will need to provide your VBA Member ID Number to your VBA in-network provider.
• If you would like a VBA Member ID Card, you can print one from the VBA Member Portal.

There are certain instances where your provider may bill you for materials and services.

• The provider was not aware you have a VBA vision plan.
• Your provider was not a VBA in-network provider.
• The provider billed your medical benefits instead of VBA.
• There were out-of-pocket expenses for services or materials not covered by your vision plan.

For more information regarding a bill from your provider's office, please reach out to your provider or contact us.

You may review your EOBs by accessing the Explanation of Benefits tab of the VBA Member Portal.

Using a VBA in-network provider makes using your benefits easier.

• Use the VBA Provider Finder available at vbaplans.com to locate a provider near you.
• Contact us. One of our Member Services Representatives will help you find a provider near you.
• When you call to make an appointment with a VBA in-network provider, tell them you have a VBA vision plan. On rare occasions, a provider may no longer accept VBA at the time of your appointment. Be sure to confirm network participation with your provider prior to receiving services or purchasing materials.

Log in to the VBA Member Portal or contact us to make sure you are eligible to receive services.

Select a VBA In-Network Provider to use your vision plan.

• Log in to the VBA Member Portal to confirm eligibility for services and materials.
• Use our online Provider Finder to search for doctors in the VBA network.
• Schedule an appointment with the provider and let the office know you have a vision plan through VBA prior to receiving services or purchasing materials.
• The provider will submit all claims for selected services and materials directly to VBA.
• The provider will discuss and collect any copayments and/or out-of-pocket expenses from you, if applicable.

On rare occasions, a provider may discontinue participation in our network without proper notice. When making your appointment, please verify participation to avoid any inconvenience.

Elective contact lenses must typically be chosen in lieu of all other services and materials. Any charges that exceed the amount of your allowance will be your responsibility and you may be required to pay contact fitting fees out-of-pocket at some locations.

The contact lens exam and fit varies from a vision care exam.

A contact lens fit is an evaluation that is conducted in addition to your vision care exam. The purpose of the contact lens fit is to ensure proper fit of your contact lenses and to assess your vision wearing contact lenses.

Contact lens fittings allow your provider to evaluate you for potential risk factors that may cause eye conditions from improper contact lens fit. For first time wearers or wearers choosing a new lens, your provider may offer training and education on how to properly care for and wear your new lenses.

Contact lens fitting fees vary by provider. Ask your VBA in-network provider about all fees prior to making an appointment.

VBA offers a retail allowance so you may pick frames that make you comfortable and fit your lifestyle. VBA does not limit you to certain manufacturers or styles. If you choose frames above your plan's allowance, the provider will charge you a fee. Ask your VBA in-network provider for help choosing stylish frames within your budget.

The retail frame allowance is based on the location's retail frame price. Prices members pay for frames will vary by location. Providers and frame manufacturers may limit certain frame selections. Contact your provider before requesting services.

If you are unhappy with your selection or have any issues with products or services purchased from a VBA in-network provider, please contact your provider.

Any applicable copays must be paid at the time you receive services or purchase materials from a VBA in-network provider.

Log in to the VBA Member Portal or contact us to make sure you are eligible to receive services or purchase materials prior to making an appointment. The VBA Member Portal contains information regarding applicable copayments.

Your provider may ask for your medical insurance ID card prior to receiving services. The provider will make a professional determination, based upon eye conditions and overall health conditions detected or monitored during the eye exam, to bill your medical coverage. Examples of reasons your provider may bill your medical coverage over vision care coverage may include (but are not limited to) diabetes, keratoconus, post cataract surgery, dry eye, glaucoma, etc.

For more information regarding your provider billing your eye exam to your medical coverage, please contact your provider.

If you have not utilized any benefits under the plan, you may cancel at any time during the coverage period to receive a full refund of your payment (less a $10.00 non-refundable processing fee).

Request a full refund of your payment. Once you receive a refund, you may enroll in different plan.

Your VBA coverage does not include warranties, guarantees or exchanges unless provided by your VBA in-network provider or the manufacturer.

VBA does not offer warranties on lens materials or lens enhancements. VBA does not offer replacements to broken or lost frames, lenses or contact lenses.

VBA does not guarantee any materials or services purchased from or provided to you by your VBA in-network provider or from your out-of-network provider.

VBA does not offer frame, lens or contact lens exchanges.

If you are unhappy with your selection or have any issues with products or services purchased from a VBA in-network provider or out-of-network provider, please contact your provider.