IBC Vision — Wal-Mart^® Joins Network

Effective August 1, 2007, Wal-Mart Vision Centers will be part of the Davis Vision network that supports our IBC Vision programs. Many of the doctors located in the Wal-Mart Vision Centers will also participate in the Davis Vision network, effective August 1, 2007. As a result, we now have more than 1300 participating providers locally and more than 19,000 participating providers nationally. The addition of Wal-Mart and the doctors located in their vision centers to the Davis Vision network applies to all IBC Vision programs under every commercial, Medicare, and CHIP program.

Most independent providers have the Davis Collection of Frames available in their offices. However, retailers, such as Wal-Mart, do not have the collection available. When IBC Vision members choose eyeglass frames from Wal-Mart's own collection, they receive a benefit credit specific to the group's vision benefit. The benefit credit is applied to the Wal-Mart charge, and the member is responsible for any balance. Wal-Mart's retail cost for frames is comparable to the Davis Vision Collection of Frames; therefore,
the member may have the cost of the frames paid in full when Wal-Mart eyeglasses are purchased.

Wal-Mart contracts with an independent laboratory to fabricate eyeglasses purchased at its stores. The same comprehensive one-year unconditional breakage warranty offered with the Davis Collection of Frames will also be available for frames and lenses purchased at Wal-Mart for no additional cost. 

At most participating provider offices, members selecting noncovered materials, such as a second pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, etc. can receive up to a 20% courtesy discount; disposable contact lenses are available at up to a 10% discount. Since Wal-Mart already offers frames and lenses at its “everyday low prices,” additional eyewear discounts are not available.

LOCATING PARTICIPATING PROVIDERS. Locally, about 90% of Wal-Mart’s on-site doctors participate in the Davis Vision network; nationally, about 70% of Wal-Mart's on-site doctors participate in the Davis Vision network. To locate a participating provider:

• visit www.ibx.com
• Click Find a Vision Provider under the Find a Doctor heading

This link takes members to Davis Vision’s Provider Finder. When members use a Wal-Mart Vision Center for eyewear purchases, they should also check the participation status of the on-site doctor for eye exams. Participating Wal-Mart Vision Centers and on-site optometrists will be included in Davis Vision's Provider Finder (via the www.ibx.com link) on August 1, 2007.

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Independence Blue Cross offers products directly, through its subsidiaries Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company, and with Highmark Blue Shield. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.