In the Nov. 1 OnCampus, we shared the great news about a new benefit: Introducing optional vision hardware insurance with Avēsis.
As with any new benefit, there is excitement and curiosity. Since we have received several questions, we thought we should share some additional information about our new partnership with Avēsis.
Vision Hardware 101
- Vision exams will still be covered by Drake’s medical insurance through Wellmark.
- The current hardware allowance through Wellmark ($150/year) is going away on December 31, 2022.
- Avēsis is now available as an optional benefit for employees (and their families) to cover vision hardware (glasses, contacts).
- If you do not want to enroll in the Avēsis Plan, using your Health Care Flexible Spending Account is a great way to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover vision hardware.
Participation in the Avēsis Hardware Benefit is voluntary/optional. You may choose to purchase this coverage for yourself or your covered dependents (spouse/partner and dependent children). Following are monthly rates/in-network benefits:
- Single Monthly Rate = $1.37/month
- Family Monthly Rate = $4.37/month
- Frame allowance = $150
- Contact Lens Allowance = $150
- Materials Co-pay = $15
We are very excited to offer this affordable and wonderful new benefit to Drake employees. An Avēsis representative will be on hand for the benefit information sessions being held on November 18.
Attend one of the benefit overview sessions Nov. 18:
- Live and in person at 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Olmsted Center, Room 310
- Virtually via Teams at 1:30-2:30 p.m. Click here to join the virtual session (or email drakehr@drake.edu to be added to the meeting invite).
During these sessions, we’ll share highlights of the plan changes taking effect Jan. 1 and answer your questions. We will record the virtual session for people who are unable to attend either session.
— Marlene Heuertz and Maureen De Armond, Human Resources