Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program’s BlueVision® Enrollment Grows 17 Percent

February 28, 2008

WASHINGTON - Enrollment in BlueVision®, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Federal Employee Program's (FEP) new vision product, grew 17 percent during the 2007 Open Season.  In addition, 88 percent of FEP BlueVision members remained with the program from 2007 into 2008.

FEP BlueVision now serves more than 56 percent of all federal employees and retirees – nearly 500,000 members – who receive their vision care benefits through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).  Members enjoy full coverage of their routine vision needs when they receive care from participating vision care providers.

"The Blues are pleased to provide vision benefits to the majority of federal employees, retirees and their families participating in FEDVIP," stated Stephen W. Gammarino, BCBSA's senior vice president, National Programs.  "Our members have come to rely on FEP's dependability and commitment to providing the best value in healthcare services.  We are proud to continue to earn their trust with our established abilities to deliver responsive, quality care in a timely manner."

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, or FEP, has been part of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) since its inception in 1960.  FEP covers roughly 4.7 million of the federal employees, retirees and their family members who receive their benefits through FEHBP.  BCBSA works with the Office of Personnel Management to administer the Service Benefit Plan on behalf of the 39 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.