Anthem, previously known as WellPoint, is one of the best vision insurance companies in America. It’s the biggest member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield federation of health insurance companies, which represents more than 100 million people across the states. It’s near the top of the Fortune 500 list, so you know it’s a big, established entity with no plans to disappear overnight.
The plans for Anthem Blue View Vision are super-simple: three tiers of premium that each get gradually lower in terms of copay and give more generous allowances. Prices range from $12 to $18.50 for individual plans, with big savings to be made if you add your spouse or partner. Exams and new lenses are scheduled for once a year. A very simple plan, for reasonable premiums.
For the basic plan, you get a $20 copay deal on exams and basic lenses and a $130 allowance for frames. There’s also an $80 allowance for contacts, should you need them. Copays and allowances improve with the higher tiers of membership, which will cost you in your monthly contribution but save you money when you visit the doctor. There’s a generous 40 percent off an extra pair of glasses from anywhere in the network, and 20 percent off anything else eyewear related.
There are Medicare supported plans, with lots of supporting info on eligibility, benefits and how to apply. However, the site is old and often difficult to use and navigate in parts.
Anthem Blue View Vision review: overview
- Linked with some big names and associations
- Reassurance in using a large well-established company
There’s a reassurance in using a large well-established company for something as fundamental as insurance. You need to know that it is going to be there, check-book in hand when you need it most.
Anthem, despite mergers and name changes, has been around for what seems like forever, and is linked with some big names and associations. Over the years, like other business behemoths it’s picked up its share of controversies, but has continued to grow and succeed nevertheless. When you’re talking about a member only network, size means everything.
Anthem Blue View Vision review: known networks
- Largest member of the Blue cross Blue Shield insurers association
- Big cities are really well represented
Anthem is the largest member of the Blue cross Blue Shield insurers association, accounting for nearly half of its 100 million members. The Blue Cross Blue Shield network is divided into local chapters and checking how that is represented in your area will play a part in your final buying decision.
The big cities are really well represented, especially in California. Alaska, for example, is a little thinner on the ground for cover, but it’s only a case of a slimmer range of choices – and maybe a longer drive.
Anthem Blue View Vision review: plan options
- Three levels of cover
- Prices range from $12 to $18.50
Anthem’s three levels of cover are called Blue View Vision, Blue View Vision Plus and Blue View Vision Advanced. Prices range from $12 to $18.50, depending on your coverage needs but all allow you a single visit to your doctor for an eye exam and new lenses in a calendar year.
The higher premiums will see your copay lowered and give you more generous allowances on your frames and contacts.
Anthem Blue View Vision review: extra benefits
- Options to save money
- Combine with dental and health plans
The other advantage of using a general health insurer to take care of your eye care needs is that there may be options to save money by combining your vision care with your dental or health plans.
It’s worth comparing what Anthem is offering in its packages to see if your additional vision care spend might be considerably reduced when bought alongside other, vital financial products.
Anthem Blue View Vision review: verdict
A big industry, with a simple plan and significant side benefits. Premiums are low and still manage to keep copays down and allowances up. You can opt to up your premium to pay lower fees at the doctor’s office and for more luxurious frames if you're happy to trade your low monthlies for greater savings down the road.
There is provision for Medicare and Medicaid plans, should you qualify. If you’re buying other health insurance at the same time it might be worth your time and effort to get a combined quote, to see if you can save by buying in tandem.
The website is a little fiddly, but contains a wealth of additional information to aid your health and insurance decisions. All in all this is a very traditional offering, but reliable and good value.
Anthem Blue View Vision review: alternatives
Anthem Blue View Vision has a lot going for it, but, just like any other vision insurance plan, it won't be for everyone. We'd also recommend looking at our VSP Direct review, as well as EyeMed, Direct Vision Insurance and Ameritas Vision before making your final decision.
Visit the Anthem website to learn more about Blue View vision insurance .
