The benefit year dates for Vision and Hearing Care changed as of January 1, 2022. Before, that date, coverage for these benefits began on September 1 and ended on August 31 each year, making them out of sync with the benefit year for Extended Health Care that coincided with the calendar year. Starting last January, Vision and Hearing benefits timelines were brought in line with Drug and Paramedical coverage. Dollar amounts did not change. Vision coverage remains at $400 per person every two years, and $400 each year for each dependent under age 18. Hearing Care coverage remains at $3000 per person every three years.
So, this is what the new benefit dates look like as the change is implemented:
Extended Health care – Drugs and Paramedical services -renewed every January 1st)
Vision Care: August 18, 2021 – December 31, 2023 ($400 every 2 years and every year for dependents under age 18)
Hearing Care: August 18, 2021 – December 31, 2024 ($3,000 per person every 3 years)