2026 Vision Coverage

What's Changing in 2026?

VSP Vision

Dartmouth employees enrolled in VSP vision coverage will enjoy several valuable improvements in 2026.  

Rates - VSP vision rates are decreasing! You can check out the new rates below, or you can find them using the benefit plan cost estimator tool.

In-network Plan Design - The exam copay with all VSP providers will be reduced from $15 to $0.  Additionally, the retail frame allowance will rise from $165 to $200/year, the featured frame brand allowance will increase from $185 to $220/year, and the Costco equivalent frame allowance will increase from $90 to $110/year.  For those who choose elective contact lenses instead of glasses, the allowance will increase from $150 to $200/year.

Enrollment - If you are currently enrolled in the VSP vision coverage and do not take action during Open Enrollment, you will remain in the VSP vision plan for calendar year 2026 but at the lower rate.

Cigna Vision with EyeMed

Rates - Cigna EyeMed will continue to offer one free in-network eye exam per covered member per year, when using an EyeMed provider.  Out-of-network claims will continue to be covered at 70% of billed charges.

Plan Design - There will be no changes to the Cigna Vision Benefit through EyeMed in 2026.

Enrollment - If you are enrolled in a Cigna medical plan in 2025 and do not take action during open enrollment, you will remain in the Cigna vision coverage with EyeMed for calendar year 2026.

Eligibility and Enrollment

VSP Vision Plan

• All Benefit Eligible, Dartmouth employees can choose to enroll in the standalone vision benefit through VSP.
• Employees can cover spouses, children and stepchildren on their VSP vision plan.
• Employee pays full cost of the benefit.
• Plan guidelines do not allow Dartmouth couples to cover one another, and only one parent can cover the children.
• You do NOT need to be enrolled in Dartmouth's medical plan to be eligible for the VSP vision benefit.
• Enrollment is available through the FlexOnline benefit enrollment system.

ID Cards - You will not receive an ID card from VSP.  Your in-network provider can locate you and your covered dependents within the VSP system when you/they provide your name, your date of birth and your Dartmouth ID. You may use a combination of both the VSP and EyeMed vision coverage, if your provider agrees to bill both carriers. 

Cigna Vision with EyeMed

• Enrollment in Cigna Vision is automatic when you and your family members are enrolled in a medical plan through Dartmouth.

ID Cards - Cigna Vision (EyeMed) vision cards are mailed to each covered member of your Cigna medical plan.  You may use a combination of both the VSP and EyeMed vision coverage, if your provider agrees to bill both carriers. 

Understanding your Benefit

VSP Vision Plan

The vision coverage includes an allowance toward frames or contact lenses every 12 months.  Costs are lower when you receive care within the VSP network, but you also have the option to go out-of-network for some services. Note: You do not need to be enrolled in a Dartmouth medical plan to enroll in the VSP vision benefit.

Cigna Vision through EyeMed

Routine Eye Exam

In-network - If you are enrolled in a Dartmouth Medical Plan, as part of Cigna's preventive care services, one routine eye exam is covered annually at no charge when using an in-network EyeMed provider. 

Out-of-network - If your provider is not in the EyeMed network you may need to submit the EyeMed Out-of-Network Claim Form to Cigna vision for reimbursement.

Coverage Information

Summary of Benefits for Cigna Vision Routine Eye Exam

• Routine Vision coverage under OAP & CCF plans
• Routine Vision coverage under HDHP plans

Vision Plan Rates

Vision Plan Rates for VSP

VSP Discount Programs
When enrolled in a VSP vision plan, you can take advantage of some additional discounts offered by VSP:

• VSP Exclusive Member Extras
• Online shopping with Eyeconic
• TruHearing Hearing Aid Discounts
  
  

Vision Plan Rates for EyeMed

There is no monthly or biweekly rate for your EyeMed vision coverage.  The coverage is included when you and your eligible dependents are enrolled in a Dartmouth medical plan.

Cigna/EyeMed Discount Programs
When enrolled in a Cigna medical plan, you can also take advantage of vision discounts through Cigna's Healthy Rewards program

Find an In-Network Provider

Find a VSP Provider

Use the VSP provider look up tool to find a VSP provider in your area.

Find an EyeMed Provider

Use the EyeMed provider look up tool to find an EyeMed provider in your area.

Create an Account

Create an account with VSP

View your benefits, access special offers and savings, and more.

1. Go to vsp.com
2. Choose "Create an Account" in the top right corner to get started
3. Complete the registration process
4. You will need your NetID (entered in the Member ID box)

VSP also offers a mobile app for easy access to your account from your mobile device.

More information about your online VSP account.

Create an account with EyeMed

To manage your EyeMed account online, you can use the same mycigna login that you use to manage your Cigna Medical and Cigna Supplemental benefits.  If you haven't already set up a mycigna account, here is how you can:

1. Go to mycigna.com
2. Click on REGISTER
3. Make sure you have your Cigna ID or Social Security number available
4. Click START REGISTRATION
5. Enter your Name, Date of Birth and zip code
6. Answer a question about your membership
7. Enter your ID card number or SSN
8. Enter your zip code

Once logged in, click on COVERAGE and then VISION then VISIT CIGNA VISION

Filing a Vision Claim (Out-of-Network providers)

VSP Claim Process
1. Create an account with VSP or log into your existing VSP account
2. Click on "Benefits" in the main menu.
3. Under  "Oops! Did you go Out-Of-Network?" click on "Submit a Claim"
4. Read and follow the additional instructions provided

Cigna Vision via EyeMed Claim Process
1.  Log in to your existing mycigna.com account
2. Click on "Claims" then "Claims" again.  
3. Select Claim Type "vision" and proceed to the EyeMed website
4. Go to "claims" and "out-of-network claims" and "submit online"
5. OR Follow the instructions found on the Cigna Vision Claim Form.