March 24, 2011

Dear Colleagues,

On January 19th, I sent an email concerning Blue Cross Blue Shield State member benefits.  In that email, I stated that a BCBS state member was no longer entitled to a discounted routine eye examination or a discount on materials due to EyeMed administering the routine vision benefit.  This was the information conveyed to me by multiple BCBS administrators.

After further discussion on the matter, the BCBS administrators retracted their previous statements and I have learned that the routine vision program is still a member benefit regardless of whether a BCBS State member enrolls into EyeMed.  The discounted routine eye examination and discounted materials are still considered member benefits.  If a member has EyeMed and you are an EyeMed provider, then bill EyeMed for the routine examination.  If you are not an EyeMed provider, but are a BCBS State provider then you may offer the discounted rates to BCBS State members.  BCBS State members who enroll in EyeMed also retain the option of a discounted eye examination and materials after they have used their EyeMed benefits.

I apologize for any confusion due to the previous email.  If anyone has any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Philip Flynn, OD
2757 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29204
Office-803-799-7358
Cell-803-530-5290