FAQs

The EyeMed vision plan is separate from the medical insurance plans available at Microsoft. You can enroll in the vision plan without enrolling in the medical plan, and vice versa.

The cost for members to receive retinal imaging is up to $39 when using an in-network provider. Please note that there is no reimbursement for these services when obtained out-of-network.

The vision plan offers a $1000 lifetime allowance for Lasik.

Non-prescription sunglasses are not covered under the materials allowance, but you can receive a 20% discount on them from participating in-network providers.

There are no deductibles for the EyeMed vision plan. Utilizing an in-network provider will enable you to maximize your benefits. Eye exams are provided at no cost, and you’ll receive a $500 material allowance when using an in-network provider. While you can visit an out-of-network provider, you’ll have to pay for services upfront and file for reimbursement. Not only that, if the out-of-network provider charges more than the allowed amount for your region, you’ll have to pay the difference. When using an out-of-network provider, you’ll receive a $350 material allowance.

The EyeMed vision plan is separate from your medical plan. Any costs incurred will not count towards the deductible or out-of-pocket maximum for your medical plan.

All enrolled family members will have the same coverage on the EyeMed vision plan. The coverage and limits for dependents under 18 are the same as those for adults. 

The materials allowance of $500 in-network or $350 out-of-network may be applied for the purchase of materials (glasses or contacts) for myopia control/management.

Yes! The EyeMed vision plan is completely separate from your medical plan. Keep in mind, though, that you can only enroll dependents in a plan you are also enrolled in, so if you waive vision coverage, you cannot cover dependents on vision.

The EyeMed vision plan is offered without a payroll premium for you and all your eligible dependents.

Employees can easily access their EyeMed vision plan. Use the Provider Locator to find an in-network eye doctor near you with the brands, hours and services you want. See the Get Help section for additional contact information.

Yes! Once your $500 material allowance is exhausted, you’ll receive these additional discounts from participating in-network providers:

• a 40% discount on additional complete pairs of prescriptions glasses (frame, lens and lens options) beyond the first pair

• a 15% discount off conventional contact lenses (additional discounts do not apply to disposable or medically necessary contact lenses)

• 20% off non-prescription sunglasses, and  

• discounts on LASIK laser vision correction.

Yes! The Living Well Eye Care Clinics at Building 8 and the Sub Mixer are in-network providers for those enrolled in the Microsoft-provided EyeMed vision plan.

Yes, LensCrafters is in-network.

Warby Parker and Costco are not in-network providers within the EyeMed network. Members who receive services at Warby Parker, Costco, or any other out-of-network provider will initially pay out of pocket. To seek reimbursement, members should log in to their account, complete the out-of-network claim form, and upload itemized receipts. The reimbursement for materials obtained out of network is up to $350.

“In-network” refers to the provider, not the brand of materials they prescribe. No formularies are required.

Many optometrists share space with a retail optical store but operate a separate practice. All of them, wherever they practice, must meet the same state licensing and credentialing requirements. One advantage of using a vision carrier, like EyeMed, is that credentials of every in-network eye doctor are thoroughly examined and verified, so you can feel confident you’re getting access to qualified eye doctors.

EyeMed is actively encouraging out-of-network providers who frequently serve Microsoft employees to become in-network providers. If you have an out-of-network provider you’d like to see on an in-network basis, please share the Join EyeMed link with them. Interested providers should complete the form within the link.

The materials allowance and LASIK benefit under the EyeMed vision plan are available to each enrolled member of the plan.

Yes! You can purchase multiple pairs of glasses and/or contacts with the material allowance. Once you exceed that amount, you’ll receive  overage discounts from participating in-network providers.

No. The in-network and out-of-network material allowances cannot be combined. Once you utilize a type of provider (either in-network or out-of-network), you must continue to use the same type of provider for the remainder of the calendar year.

Prescription eyeglasses are included under the materials allowance for vision benefit. These benefits may also extend to prescription Smart glasses. Prescription sunglasses are also covered. Non-prescription sunglasses are not covered under the materials allowance, but you can receive a 20% discount on them from participating in-network providers.

Once you use up your annual materials allowance, you get 20% off the remaining balance of that transaction/purchase. After that, you receive a 40% discount on any additional complete pairs of prescription glasses you buy.

Yes, contact lenses for Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) are included under the material allowance.

Yes! Instantly apply your in-network benefits at checkout (with free shipping, free returns and no paperwork) at these participating providers: lenscrafters.com, targetoptical.com, ray-ban.com, glasses.com and contactsdirect.com.

If you lose your card or need extras for your family, log into your account. Remember, you don’t even need the card when you visit an in-network eye doctor!

When you stay in-network, EyeMed will handle all the paperwork and you won’t have to worry about submitting a claim. If you need an out-of-network claim form, simply log into your account.

Out-of-network reimbursements are typically received within 10 business days. You will not incur out-of-pocket expenses for eye exams and contact fittings when utilizing an in-network provider.

Most general vision expenses, including laser eye surgery beyond the coverage amount, can be covered using HSA or FSA funds. For detailed information on reimbursable items applicable to your personal circumstances, please consult with Fidelity.

A declining balance in vision insurance refers to a set amount of money allocated for vision care expenses over a specified period, usually a year. As you use your vision benefits, the amount available decreases or "declines."

Getting an eye exam isn’t just about needing glasses. It’s also about your health. An eye exam can detect eye health problems like glaucoma or cataracts, but it can also help identify early signs of serious diseases, like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol—just to name a few.

Vision changes can happen slowly—you may not even notice it. Annual eye exams are a good rule of thumb unless your doctor suggests more frequent checks. We suggest making this part of your regular preventive care routine.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having a newborn’s eyes checked for basic indicators of eye health and a second screening between 6 and 12 months for healthy eye alignment and movement. They also recommend an exam between the ages of 3 and 5, and every year after that.

A vision screening does not take the place of a comprehensive eye exam. School screenings generally check for color blindness and your child’s ability to see far away. A comprehensive exam will evaluate the entire structure of the eye.

If you choose to wear contact lenses, you will need a contact lens evaluation to determine the best type and size of lens specific to your vision needs. Based on the type of lens your eye care provider prescribes, this could be a standard or premium fitting. Common examples of a premium fitting include contact lenses to correct astigmatism, colored contacts and bifocal contacts.

Contact lens fit and follow up fees are covered with a $0 copay for Standard and Premiums fitting when using an in-network provider.

Yes, EyeMed accepts receipts in foreign languages and foreign currencies. EyeMed will handle the conversion to U.S. dollars and process the claim accordingly. Reimbursements will be issued in U.S. dollars and can be mailed to addresses in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.