Ken Stellmacher.

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.— VSP Vision Care has recently launched a program that will allow insurance brokers to sell VSP’s individual plan directly to consumers. Authorized brokers can now sell VSP individual insurance plans through a website hosted by VSP that allows clients to self-enroll. While this is the same VSP individual plan using the current VSP network of providers on the Choice panel, “this is the first time brokers are able to sell VSP Vision Care’s individual plan directly to consumers,” a VSP spokesperson told VMail. Previously, brokers could only sell the plan through employers or groups.

“Our goal is to deliver a first-of-its-kind, turnkey program to brokers that helps them provide value to their clients, as well as ultimately increase consumers’ access to affordable vision care,” said Ken Stellmacher, senior vice president and general manager of VSP Individual Plans. “Brokers can enhance their suite of offerings and increase commissions through this program, which we’ve made simple through our online hub.”

Individual agents can register to become authorized sellers of VSP individual vision insurance, which is offered to consumers for less than $16 a month. The individual and family plans include a fully covered eye exam with a $15 copay, a $120 to $150 allowance for frames or contacts, 20 percent to 25 percent discounts on add-ons and extra pairs, a fully covered contact lens exam and fitting with no copay, and specialty services to treat eye conditions such as conjunctivitis and diabetic retinopathy.

VSP’s individual vision insurance program for brokers is available in all states except Florida, New York and Oregon, which will be eligible in early 2014.