Vision + Hearing
Add clarity to your life.
Benefit Summary
The Carewell SEIU 503 Vision + Hearing benefit provides access to vision and hearing services for no monthly premium.
Vision
Vision benefits are insured by Ameritas through the VSP Choice Network. There is no charge for an annual exam if you use an in-network provider and facility. If a provider does not bill Ameritas directly, you will need to pay up front and submit for reimbursement. Review the benefit summary for more information.
Get new glasses or contacts!
When you make an appointment with a VSP Choice provider:
- The cost of one eye exam is fully covered
- You can get one new set of frames or contacts (up to $500 to be used before December 31, 2024)
- And you get one pair of new lenses fully covered from now until December 31, 2024 – this excludes progressive lenses, which have a coinsurance amount, and most lens enhancements as listed here.
Please note: If you choose a provider outside the VSP Choice Network, you’ll pay more out of pocket for your eye exam, lenses, frames, and contacts.
You will receive a new ID card from Ameritas, so please check your mail. Note that you don’t need to wait to receive the card in order to get services.
If you live over 25 miles from providers in the VSP network, contact the VSP call center and let them know there are no providers in your area. The VSP call center will explain how to submit a vision claim to VSP for reimbursement. You can then make an appointment with any provider of your choice, and VSP will reimburse you as if you went to an in-network provider.
Hearing
Hearing benefits are available through Ameritas SoundCare. SoundCare is not tied to a network. You can go to any provider. You are eligible for up to a $75 allowance per 12-month period for a comprehensive hearing exam. You will likely need to pay up front for services and submit for reimbursement. Review the benefit summary for more information.
LASIK
LASIK benefits are available through Ameritas LASIK Advantage. LASIK Advantage is not tied to a network. You can go to any provider. The maximum lifetime benefit you are eligible to receive per eye is $500. You will likely need to pay upfront for services and submit for reimbursement. Review the benefit summary for more information.
Important Things to Know
- The Carewell SEIU 503 Vision, Hearing, and LASIK benefit is premium-free for eligible homecare workers and personal support workers and personal care attendants — there is no monthly bill for you to pay.
- Once you are eligible, you will have coverage through an Ameritas plan.
- Family members cannot be added to this plan.
- You cannot use the Benefit Convenience Card to pay for any expense related to your Vision + Hearing benefits.
Eligibility
To find out your eligibility instantly, answer a few questions on the eligibility questionnaire.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Carewell SEIU 503 Vision + Hearing benefits you must:
You must work at least 40 eligible working hours* for 2 months in a row to be eligible for these benefits. Once you have met this requirement, there will be a 1-month waiting period after you turn in your timesheets and/or payroll vouchers. During this waiting period, the State, Acumen, or PPL will report your hours to Carewell SEIU 503.
Turn in your timesheets and/or payroll vouchers on a regular basis.
Have your name, gender, Social Security number, birth date, and current address on file with Carewell SEIU 503.
These eligibility requirements are the same for the Dental, Vision + Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program (DVE) benefits.
* Eligible working hours
The number of eligible working hours you need to qualify for Carewell benefits are the work hours paid by Acumen, DHS, and/or PPL on behalf of your consumer.
Losing eligibility
You may lose eligibility for Carewell SEIU 503 benefits (Dental, Vision + Hearing, EAP, and Healthcare Cost Assistance) if you have 2 months in a row with 0 hours of work. After those 2 months, you’ll have a grace period of 1 more month before your benefits end.
Mail will be sent out to care providers letting them know they might be losing their benefits. These notifications also include information about continuing Dental, Vision and Hearing, and EAP coverage through COBRA.
If you decide to stay on DVE benefits through COBRA, this means you will now have to pay for premiums by sending payment to our COBRA Administrator, Ameriflex.
You can also regain eligibility by meeting the requirements listed above.
Enrollment
Dental, Vision + Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program benefits will be set up automatically for you once you:
- meet the Eligibility Requirements explained above;
- update Carewell SEIU 503 and the State with your name, gender, Social Security number, and current address.
Enrollment Confirmation
Once you are eligible for Carewell SEIU 503 Vision + Hearing benefits, you will be sent vision, hearing, and LASIK cards in a large, plain white envelope.
Vision: VSP Choice Network
Hearing: Not tied to a network
LASIK: Not tied to a network
Benefit Details
Use This Benefit
Make an appointment
Be sure to confirm that your vision provider and facility are in-network before seeking services and carefully review the benefit summary for information about possible out-of-pocket expenses like copays and coinsurances. Carewell SEIU 503 does not reimburse you for additional costs and you cannot use the Benefit Convenience Card for vision or hearing expenses, so check with your provider about procedures that are not fully covered.
Find a provider
Vision
Find a provider in the VSP Choice Network by going to VSP’s website at vsp.com/eye-doctor or by calling 1-800-877-7195.
Hearing
You can go to any provider or facility for hearing services! There is no network tied to the hearing benefit. You will likely need to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement.
LASIK
You can go to any provider or facility for LASIK services! There is no network tied to the LASIK benefit. You will likely need to pay up front and submit for reimbursement.
Keep This Benefit
You do not need to reapply or re-enroll as long as you do not go 2 months in a row without eligible working hours — or reporting 0 hours, you will remain eligible for Dental, Vision + Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program benefits. You will not receive new cards every year.
See the Eligibility section above to learn what steps you need to take if you lose eligibility.
Reimbursements
Vision
If you go to a provider outside of the VSP Choice Network you will need to pay up front and submit for reimbursement. You can claim reimbursements electronically through the VSP portal at vsp.com (you’ll have to create an account first). Please review the benefit summary carefully to see the benefit levels when going to an out-of-network vision provider.
Hearing
You will likely need to pay up front for hearing services and submit for reimbursement.
Ameritas Hearing Reimbursement Claim Form (PDF)
LASIK
You will likely need to pay up front for LASIK services and submit for reimbursement. Note that this form is only for LASIK services, not other vision services like an annual eye exam, lenses, or frames.
Opt Out
If you would like to opt out of Dental, Vision + Hearing, and Employee Assistance Program benefits you can complete the waiver form.
Contact Information and Resources
Carewell SEIU 503
1-844-503-7348
Reasons to contact Carewell SEIU 503:
- Questions about eligibility for the Vision + Hearing benefit
- You did not receive your vision, LASIK, or hearing cards
Ameritas
1-800-255-4931
Reasons to contact Ameritas:
- Find an eye doctor near you
- Questions about services/materials covered under this plan
- You need a new card
VSP
Website: vsp.com Then click on Log In / Create an Account in the top right corner to access the VSP portal.
Phone: 1-800-877-7195
Reasons to contact VSP:
- Questions about vision benefits or claims
- Find a vision provider near you
SoundCare
800-487-5553
Reasons to contact SoundCare:
- Questions about hearing benefits
- To receive support on finding a provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Read common questions about the Carewell Vision+Hearing benefit. See the FAQs page for more information.
Where can I find if a vision provider is in the VSP Choice network?
You can visit VSP’s website at vsp.com/eye-doctor or call 1-800-877-7195.
How much time do I have to submit a reimbursement claim?
You must submit a reimbursement claim form within 90 days from the date of service. For example, if you purchase eyeglasses from an out-of-network provider you will have 90 days to submit the VSP Member Reimbursement Claim Form. Call Ameritas at 1-800-255-4931 to find out more about how much you will be reimbursed if you go to an out-of-network provider.
Can I add my spouse or other family members?
No. Carewell SEIU 503 Vision, Hearing, and LASIK benefits are available only to eligible homecare and personal support workers and personal care attendants.