Changes to PEBB vision coverage for 2025

Vision coverage for Medicare retirees is not changing

This change only applies to PEBB members not enrolled in Medicare. 

What is changing with PEBB vision coverage?

During open enrollment this fall, PEBB members who are not enrolled in Medicare will have the opportunity to choose their vision plan. The PEBB Program is giving members more choice by providing standalone vision plan options. This means routine vision coverage will be separate from medical coverage starting January 1, 2025.

What will my vision plan options be?

What do the vision plans cover?

  • View the Vision Benefits At-a-Glance.
  • Each plan will have a network of providers that offers services like routine eye exams, eyeglass frames and lenses, contact lenses, and discounts on treatments like LASIK.
  • All plans will offer private practice optometrists and ophthalmologists in Washington State and nationwide, but each plan’s network will include different providers. These plans were chosen to cover as many counties in Washington as possible, but not all plans will have network providers in all areas.
  • In addition to private practice locations, each plan will offer a selection of retail locations, such as Costco Optical, Walmart, Sam’s Club, America’s Best, Visionworks, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and Target Optical.

Does my medical plan still cover vision?

Treatment for medical conditions such as infection, eye diseases like glaucoma, and eye injuries will continue to be covered under PEBB medical plans.

Members enrolled in Medicare will still have routine vision care covered by their PEBB medical plan.

What will it cost?

Employees: Like dental coverage, vision coverage is an employer-paid benefit. This means you will not pay a monthly premium for vision coverage, as long as your employer offers the benefit.

Non-Medicare retirees and PEBB Continuation Coverage subscribers: Like dental coverage, vision coverage will have a monthly premium if you choose to enroll. It was previously built into the medical coverage premium. View premiums for retirees and continuation coverage.

Do I have to enroll?

Employees: If your employer offers this benefit, you must enroll or you will be enrolled by default in MetLife Vision.

Non-Medicare retirees and PEBB Continuation Coverage subscribers: Like dental coverage, you do not have to enroll in vision coverage if you do not wish to enroll.

When can I learn more?