Public Employee Press

Florida optical plan expands

The union has dramatically expanded the optical panel for 5,000 DC 37 retirees and their dependents in Florida. Previously, only three providers in Florida accepted the plan’s fee schedule. The restructured setup includes 62 providers statewide.

“Virtually every retiree needs optical service,” said Stuart Leibowitz, president of the DC 37 Retirees Association, stressing how important the improved benefit is to Florida members.

The DC 37 Health and Security Plan redesigned the benefit package with the assistance of the association, whose members complained for years about the lack of available providers. “Now our Florida retirees have greater access to providers and an affordable vision package with high quality care,” said plan Administrator Rosaria R. Esperon.

The restructured panel “will cut members’ out-of-pocket expenses for routine vision care by hundreds of dollars, which is important since retirees have fixed incomes,” Leibowitz said.

Since March 1, CPS Optical has provided the service, which includes an eye exam, glaucoma test and frames every two years. Under the new structure, retirees’ out-of-pocket expenses are $61.50 for single vision and trifocal lenses and $64.50 for bifocal or executive lenses. The plan includes a selection of frames.

To request a voucher, Florida retirees may call the DC 37 Health and Security Plan toll-free at 877-323-7738 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Earlier this year, the plan sent them an information packet listing the participating providers. Information is also available at CPS Optical’s Web site (www.CPSOPTICAL.com) and at www.dc37.net.