Vision Care Misconceptions Part 1: Vision Benefits Don’t Influence Plan Choice
Don’t overlook the value seniors place on vision coverage
This article is one of our four-part series on four common misconceptions about vision care among health plans. In this first article, we’ll review the misguided notion that vision benefits aren’t important for Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries when choosing a plan.
The American medical system typically disconnects routine eye care from other forms of primary care. Health plan executives tend to agree. When interviewed, executives stated that vision care is important, but far less significant than other forms of care covered under their offerings—and not an important consideration among MA beneficiaries when choosing a plan.1
However, the beneficiaries themselves disagree.
How Do MA Beneficiaries View Vision Benefits?
In the 2025 Medicare Vision Insights Report from VSP® Vision Care, a survey of nearly 800 Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries, it was revealed that vision benefits were among the top three most considered factors when selecting a health plan. Furthermore, 77% of respondents indicated that the availability of vision coverage either “highly, moderately, or somewhat influenced” their decision.
The Benefits of Vision Benefits for Health Plans
So, why are MA beneficiaries placing such an emphasis on vision benefits when selecting a plan?
One reason could be the connection between better vision and better health. More and more people are becoming aware of the total health benefits achieved through regular vision care. Eye doctors can detect signs of more than 270 health conditions2 (many chronic) during a comprehensive eye exam, leading to earlier treatment, better outcomes, and lower medical costs.
Therefore, vision benefits not only support better well-being among members, they contribute to lower medical spend, higher HEDIS and STAR ratings, and expanded market share. Promoting the positive health implications of offered vision benefits also shows members the plan cares about them, increasing satisfaction, which goes hand in hand with retention.
Cut Costs. Keep the Vision Benefits
The need to reduce costs and keep premiums down will always be a real consideration for health plan executives. But with the weight that vision benefits carry with beneficiaries considering plan choices, they should remain an integral, and even featured, component of your offerings.
In part two of our series, we’ll explore the common misconception that vision benefits can’t help you improve your medical spend.
Let’s Turn Insights Into Action
We’re here to support you. As the only national not-for-profit vision company, VSP® Vision Care looks at benefits through a different lens. We're focused on maximizing vision benefits for our partners and your members. It all comes together with our single-source solution for better vision care—custom plans, improved value, and healthier members.
If you have questions or need further assistance, we’re just a conversation away.
Schedule a free consultation and learn how we can adapt these insights for your Medicare Advantage plans.
1 2025 Medicare Vision Insights Report
2 American Optometric Association. (December 2014.) Systemic Conditions with Ocular and Visual Manifestations.