GemStar Vision Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Identification cards issued to members?
A: Yes, the employer is supplied two Identification cards for each member. ID cards are accompanied by Certificates of Insurance and Member Welcome Letters providing customer service contact information.
Q: When can employees enroll in the GemStar Plan?
A: Employees can enroll in the GemStar plan during the annual open enrollment period or at any time during the year as a result of a qualifying event (marriage, divorce, new hire, new dependent, etc.). Benefit waiting periods will apply
for dental benefits.
Q: Is a non-US citizen eligible to enroll in the
vision program?
A: Yes, all we require is a US address.
Q: If someone enrolls under the dental as applicant only, can he purchase vision as a family plan?
A: No, the same coverage level will apply to both the dental and vision coverages.
Q: How is the effective date determined?
A: The effective date is the first of the month following the day in which the application is received in the Service Center office. We will allow up to five days into the requested effective month for applications to be submitted. The group/individual should NOT cancel any other coverage until they receive written acceptance of coverage from our office.
Q: When are bills generated?
A: Bills are generated each month on or near the 10th calendar day prior to the month in which premiums are due.
Q: Is eligibility up-dates process done timely for claim purposes?
A: The claims adjudication system is updated nightly with all eligibility information. If necessary, both the billing system and claims system can be checked if an insured cannot be located.
Q: When can a new family member be added to the plan?
A: If a new dependent is acquired (birth, adoption, marriage) that dependent may be added to the plan immediately as long as the change occurs within 31 days of the qualifying event. A change form must be completed indicating the change, waiting periods will apply.
Q: How do we terminate coverage for an insured or make changes to someone's coverage?
A: For the GemStar plan, a change form is provided to the group for such instances. The requested change (termination, addition, change of coverage, etc.) is indicated on this form. Once completed, the change form should be faxed to 518-782-3093 or mailed to the enrollment office. Do NOT mail any such changes with the premium payment. Individuals requesting changes on their PrimeStar coverage should submit a written request to the billing office. Click here for a PDF of the employer change packet.
Q: Are These Plans Fully Insured?
A: Yes. The Dental and Vision Plans are fully insured by Security Life Insurance Company of America. Security Life is headquartered in Minnetonka, MN, at 10901 Red Circle Drive. Over the last
fifty years, Security Life Insurance has earned an outstanding reputation as a leader in the field of ancillary health and wellness insurance benefits, such as dental and vision plans.
Q: Can vision coverage be added to both group and personal coverage after they initially declined the vision rider?
A: The policy owner or group owner must complete a change form requesting the change. New premiums would be charged the month following the request coinciding with the onset of coverage. The benefit waiting periods for vision coverage would begin on the date in which vision coverage became effective. All current and future insureds would automatically receive vision coverage.
Q: Does the /GemStar plan coordinate with other plans?
A: Yes, we will coordinate our plans with other group insurance plans.
Click here for additional questions
and answers directly from EyeMed Vision Care. You can also visit
EyeMed's website
for important information about eye care basics and plan features.
VISION PLAN DESCRIPTIONS (click to view the plan description)
GemStar Vision Plan l Description
GemStar Vision Plan ll Description
GemStar Vision Plan lll Description
GemStar Vision Plan Comparison Chart (compares all three side by side)
GemStar Vision Plan Guidelines and Exclusions
Vision Terminology
Vision Frequently Asked Questions