In the grand scheme of things, does the vision plan really matter?

In re-reading my blogs, you'd think worrying about your vision plan should be at the top of your crisis list!  Yikes!  Let's face it, we're talking about an inexpensive, fluffy little vision plan.  Small potatoes in the grand scheme of things, right?

Why is this such a big deal to me?  Well, let's start with the fact that I'm a consumer.  When I spend my hard-earned money, I want to know that I'm getting value for what I'm buying.  I believe you get what you pay for, so I'm willing to spend more in order to make what I'm buying last... but I don't want to spend MORE than what I have to spend.

Second, I have a terrible habit of not going to the eye doctor unless I have a vision plan.  I can't really say why that is, just that I'm not motivated to go spend money at a doctor's office unless something doesn't feel right or is broken.  As for preventative care and annual exams, hey I understand their importance but call me lazy.  In order to get me in for preventative care, I better have low co-pays!  THAT gives me an incentive to go.

Third, I have a very low tolerance for bad surprises and having to spend more than I thought is a REALLY bad surprise.  Telling me that my plan's $15 copay for progressive lenses doesn't cover quality lenses and in order to get something good I have to pay 20 times more... well, that makes me a little cranky (and I'm not very nice when I get cranky... just ask my kids).

Fact is, I'm probably a lot like you.

So, I'm willing to take the time to make sure I have good benefits be it health, dental, life or vision.  I want whatever I buy to give me an incentive for regular wellness checkups, I want it to eliminate or reduce bad surprises at the doctors office, and I want to leave feeling I received value for the additional money I paid to the doctor.  A bonus is when the doctor says to me: "Kudos for selecting the plan you're on as it allows me to take better care of you."

There really are some good vision plans out there... and a lot of really bad ones.  If you're on a vision plan that doesn't work like what I outlined above, contact me at denise@omalleyandassociates.biz.  I have a couple of companies I'd be happy to recommend or refer you to.