“It’s a discount program, which means you pay less than the retail price. For sometime, I’ve been reminding our members, upset over the cost of their eyeglasses, to look into the vision plan and call its toll-free number (1-800-224-1157) or visit the web site (www.davisvision.com).”

Davis Vision, a leading managed vision and eye care company, administers the Retiree Vision Plan. Davis also provides vision care benefits to employees insured under the GIC.

This is how it works. A retiree calls Davis Vision at the toll free number, listed above, and speaks with a member service representative who then talks them through the selection and purchase process.

When a selection has been made, the retiree pre-pays Davis either by check, money order or credit card. Once the payment has been processed, the retiree can then go to a participating Davis Vision provider, of which there are approximately 900 in the Commonwealth (for example, all Cambridge Eye Doctors offices) for their glasses.

“Again, for those, wanting to save some money, yet not sacrifice quality – and who doesn’t these days, this could be the answer for you,” comments Stillman. “And, I can tell you that since the Plan has been offered, I’ve not received one complaint. So, if you’re insured by the GIC, why not at least look into it when you’re getting ready to buy your next set of glasses.”

Dental Plan: Altus Contract Expires This July

Altus Dental is currently serving as the administrator of the GIC’s retiree dental plan (telephone: 1-800-722-1148 or Website: www.altusdental.com). Altus’contract with the GIC expires June 30, 2007.

In anticipation of that, the GIC has solicited bids for the plan’s administrator beginning next July, and at press time, bids are being accepted. Boston Benefit Partners is the agency’s consultant in the selection process.

Our readers may remember that Boston Benefit Partners was the GIC’s consultant in creating the retiree dental plan. According to Stillman, “Partner’s John Brouder worked closely with us then, and has continued to do so, in order to make a success of the dental plan.” 

Since its inception, the GIC’s retiree dental plan has experienced steady growth. At present, there are about 9,324 retirees enrolled in the plan – an amazing 160% increase over the number of retirees (3,590) who first enrolled in the plan some four years ago.”

Editor’s Note: If you include spouses and dependents, there are approximately 12,818 insured in the plan.

“When the plan was being developed some five years ago, it was extremely difficult to stimulate strong interest in it among most dental insurers,” recalls Brouder. “With the plan’s phenomenal growth, there may be renewed interest, which hopefully will result in even better premiums and benefits for retirees and their families.”