Vision Coverage (2019)

Overview

The State of Rhode Island offers eligible active employees two options for vision coverage—Anchor Vision and Anchor Vision Plus. Both plans are administered by the Vision Service Plan (VSP). Coverage for participating employees is effective the first day of state employment.

Coverage Details

What's New in 2019

Anchor Vision and Anchor Vision Plus both offer preventive care coverage and an allowance for frames and contacts. Anchor Vision is a base plan, but Anchor Vision Plus is a "buy-up" option that offer bigger allowances.

New! Under the Anchor vision plans, dependents up to age 26 are eligible to enroll.

How Do the "Buy-Up" Options Work?

You can elect to pay a higher premium (co-share) to receive more vision coverage. Keep in mind, however, that the State’s contribution towards the cost of your coverage is the same regardless of whether you elect the base or the buy-up option.

The buy-up option has higher allowances and may be worth considering if you or your dependent may need additional vision services in 2019.

What You Should Know
  • Both plan options offer benefits in- and out-of-network. However, the State encourages you to visit a VSP participating provider to receive the greatest coverage. To find a provider near you, visit www.vsp.com.
  • VSP does not issue ID cards, but you may print one out after registering/logging into your account on www.vsp.com. Your ID number is your Social Security Number. At your appointment, tell your doctor that you are a member of VSP in order for him/her to verify your VSP eligibility.
Plan Comparison

Click on the chart below to see how Anchor Vision and Anchor Vision Plus compare across specific coverages.

2019 vision plans comparison

Plan Documents
Document What It Is
Coordination of Benefits A brief overview of how plan coverage works when someone has dual coverage. VSP Coordination of Benefits
Need Help Choosing Your Plan?

Visit the Decision Support page for tools such as ALEX®, the State Employee Benefits Guide and benefits videos & presentations that can help you better understand your plan options and make the best choice for you and your family.

Talk to ALEX
Eyeconic®

VSP offers an online, in-network eyewear store called “Eyeconic,” exclusively for VSP members. Eyeconic has a huge selection of contact lenses and designer frames at low prices. In fact, if you find a lower price, they will refund you the difference. There’s a virtual tryon feature, and shipping and returns are free. Visit www.eyeconic.com to start shopping.

Any State employee that satisfies all of the following criteria is eligible to enroll:

The following dependents are also eligible for enrollment:

  • Spouse
  • Domestic partner
    • If your domestic partner does not meet the definition of a dependent pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 152 (as modified by Section 105(b)), federal law requires that the fair market value of any State health coverage extended to your domestic partner must be imputed to you as income on your paycheck and must be reflected on the W-2 issued to you by the State of Rhode Island. For example, if you were a 26 pay-period employee covering your domestic partner under the State medical, dental and vision plans, your imputed income would be around $200 per pay period and be deducted from each paycheck.
    • If you get married, or if your domestic partnership ends, it is YOUR responsibility to inform the Office of Employee Benefits in writing immediately. Your failure to do so will prevent you from obtaining refunds of co-shares paid and/or imputed income tax withheld. The Office of Employee Benefits will not coordinate such refunds if it is not notified within 31 days of the date of the change.
  • Children* (Covered up to age 26.) new

* Children of domestic partners are not eligible unless they are also the natural/adopted child of the employee, or the employee has legal guardianship.

Enrollment Periods

Employees may enroll in vision coverage during one of the following periods:

Enrollment Process

Step 1: Do your research!

Step 2: Enroll in medical, dental and/or vision coverage online
Visit the Enrollment page for details on how to access the online enrollment system.

See below for 2019 premium rates—i.e., your co-share.

A co-share is the amount you must pay each pay period for health insurance. Co-shares vary by individual vs. family coverage, as well as by annual salary and full-time/part-time status. Co-shares listed here are for classified and unclassified State employees only. Non-classified union & non-union employees working in higher ed should refer to their college/university website (URI, RIC, CCRI) for their co-shares.

Bi-weekly co-share rates

› 26 Pay Period Classified & Unclassified Employees
Full-time employees
Individual Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $101,822 20% $0.44 $1.38
$101,822 and above 25% $0.55 $1.49
Family Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $52,969 15% $0.91 $3.52
$52,969 to less than $101,822 20% $1.21 $3.82
$101,822 and above 25% $1.52 $4.13
Part-time employees***
Individual Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $95,977 20% $0.44 $1.38
$95,977 and above 35% $0.77 $1.71
Family Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $95,977 20% $1.21 $3.82
$95,977 and above 35% $2.12 $4.73

* Does not include overtime or other non-salary wages.
** Percent of health plan working rates.
*** If your scheduled work hours are fewer than the full hours specified for your position, you will be classified as a part-time employee. Your co-share amount is determined according to the full-time annual salary for your job specification, not your part-time wages actually earned.

› 20 Pay Period Employees
Full-time employees
Individual Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $101,822 20% $0.57 $1.80
$101,822 and above 25% $0.71 $1.94
Family Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $52,969 15% $1.18 $4.57
$52,969 to less than $101,822 20% $1.58 $4.97
$101,822 and above 25% $1.97 $5.36
Part-time employees***
Individual Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $95,977 20% $0.57 $1.80
$95,977 and above 35% $1.00 $2.23
Family Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $95,977 20% $1.58 $4.97
$95,977 and above 35% $2.76 $6.15

* Does not include overtime or other non-salary wages.
** Percent of health plan working rates.
*** If your scheduled work hours are fewer than the full hours specified for your position, you will be classified as a part-time employee. Your co-share amount is determined according to the full-time annual salary for your job specification, not your part-time wages actually earned.

› RITA & State Police Command Staff
Full-time employees
Individual Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $101,323 20% $0.44 $1.38
$101,323 and above 25% $0.55 $1.49
Family Coverage
Annual Salary* Percentage** Anchor Vision Anchor Vision Plus
Less than $52,709 15% $0.91 $3.52
$52,709 to less than $101,323 20% $1.21 $3.82
$101,323 and above 25% $1.52 $4.13

* Does not include overtime or other non-salary wages.
** Percent of health plan working rates.


Printable Rate Tables—2019 Calendar Year

Co-share rates
Working rates (full plan costs)

Please contact VSP to find a participating doctor or if you have other questions regarding your vision coverage: