by Mary Johnston

Timing is important when you receive a new eyeglass prescription. Timing is also crucial when you find you need to buy new glasses or contact lenses or need to undergo laser eye correction surgery.

Although the dollar amounts vary from plan to plan, all of the Extended Health, Dental, and Group Life Benefit plans for McMaster retirees allow for reimbursement of costs related to contact lenses, eyeglasses or laser eye correction surgery once every 24 months.

Be careful. The 24-month rule is strictly enforced by Sun Life, the University’s benefit plan administrator. If the receipt submitted with your claim is even one day less than 24 months since your last claim, the claim will be denied. This will be the case even if your new prescription is a consequence of cataract surgery.

Also note that the 24-month rule means you cannot make two claims to reach your maximum during a 24-month period. For example, if your 24-month maximum is $250 and you claim $150 for the replacement of one lens you cannot claim the additional $100 for another purchase during the same 24 months.

It is a good idea to check your eligibility before going to your optometrist or ophthalmologist. You have two options to find out the exact date when you will be eligible for a claim:

• Contact Sun Life at 1-800-361-6212 between 7am and 8pm Monday to Friday. Be sure to have your member ID # and policy number (25018) ready.
  
• Sign in to the Sun Life Plan Members Services web site. You will need to obtain an ID and password from Sun Life to use this site.
  

For information about benefits and Sun Life coverage check your benefits plan booklet, contact Human Resources Services at 905-525-9140, Ext. 26466 or e-mail working@mcmaster.ca. You can also check the HR Retiree Information website.