Complete guide to Blue 20/20 for individual vision insurance from Blue Cross NC. Compare Exam Plan vs. Exam Plus Plan, see 2026 rates, and learn about covered benefits, including eye exams, glasses, contacts, and LASIK discounts.
Regular eye exams do more than check your vision—they can catch early signs of serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and neuromuscular diseases. Given how much time we spend on phones and computer screens, protecting our vision has never been more important.
Blue 20/20 for Individuals is Blue Cross NC's standalone vision insurance, offering affordable coverage whether or not you have a Blue Cross NC health plan. With access to over 184,000 providers nationwide through the EyeMed network, you'll find convenient options at both independent eye doctors and major retail locations.
Blue Cross NC offers two vision plan options, each designed for different needs and budgets. Both provide access to the same large provider network and include valuable discounts beyond the core benefits.
The Exam Plan is ideal if you primarily need coverage for annual eye exams and want discounts on eyewear.
What's Included:
• Routine eye exam: $0 copay (in-network)
• Eye exam includes dilation as necessary
• 35% discount off retail on complete pairs of prescription eyeglasses
• Out-of-network eye exam reimbursement: Up to $39
2026 Cost:
• Monthly premium: $7.13 per member
• Annual cost: $85.56 per member
Best For: People who want affordable coverage for annual eye exams with discounts on glasses if needed. Good for those who don't wear glasses or contacts regularly but want to maintain eye health.
The Exam Plus Plan provides fuller coverage, including allowances for frames, lenses, and contact lenses—making it ideal if you wear glasses or contacts.
What's Included:
• Routine eye exam: $0 copay (in-network)
• Frames: $150 allowance plus 20% discount on remaining balance
• Standard plastic lenses (single, bifocal, trifocal, lenticular): $25 copay
• Standard progressive lenses: $90 copay
• Premium progressive lenses: $110-$135 copay (varies by tier)
• Contact lenses (conventional): Up to $150 allowance with 15% discount on balance
• Contact lenses (disposable): Up to $150 allowance
• Medically necessary contact lenses: $0 copay
• 40% discount on additional complete pairs of prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses
• Choice of any frame offered by in-network providers
2026 Cost:
• Monthly premium: $16.36 per member
• Annual cost: $196.32 per member
Best For: People who wear glasses or contact lenses and want coverage for both exams and eyewear. The frame allowance and lens coverage often pay for themselves if you need new glasses each year.
Both Blue 20/20 plans allow you to use your benefits once every 12 months for:
• Eye exam
• Lenses or contact lenses
• Frames
Beyond the core benefits, both Blue 20/20 plans include valuable discounts at in-network providers:
• 15% off conventional contact lenses (does not apply to disposables)
• 20% off non-prescription sunglasses
• 20% off a partial pair of eyeglasses (frames or lenses only)
• 15% off retail price (or 5% off promo price) on LASIK, e-LASIK, or PRK laser vision correction through the U.S. Laser Network
• Digital retinal imaging discounted to $39
The Exam Plus Plan offers discounted pricing on popular lens enhancements:
• UV treatment
• Tint
• Scratch coating
• Photochromatic lenses (transition lenses)
• Anti-reflective coating
These add-ons are available at discounted member pricing through in-network providers.
Blue 20/20 provides access to one of the nation's largest vision networks through EyeMed, with more than 184,000 providers at both independent practices and retail locations.
Participating Retail Locations Include:
• LensCrafters
• Pearle Vision
• Target Optical
• Glasses.com
• ContactsDirect
• Independent Provider Network locations
Online Shopping: You can purchase eyeglasses online through participating retailers, and if they need adjustment, take them to any retail location for service.
Designer Brands: Blue 20/20 covers top eyewear brands, including Ray-Ban, Oakley, PRADA, Coach, and more—all at the same high benefit level.
If you see an out-of-network provider, the Exam Plus Plan provides reimbursement (you pay upfront and file a claim):
• Eye exam: Up to $39
• Frames: $75 allowance
• Single vision lenses: Up to $25
• Bifocal lenses: Up to $39
• Trifocal lenses: Up to $55
• Lenticular lenses: Up to $63
• Progressive lenses: Up to $40
• Contact lenses: Up to $120
• Medically necessary contacts: $200
Note: For the best value, use in-network providers. Out-of-network reimbursements are significantly lower, and LASIK discounts do not apply to out-of-network care.
Exam Plan:
• Monthly cost: $7.13
• Annual cost: $85.56
• Eye exam: $0 copay
• Frames: 35% discount only
• Lenses: 35% discount only
• Contacts: Not covered
Exam Plus Plan:
• Monthly cost: $16.36
• Annual cost: $196.32
• Eye exam: $0 copay
• Frames: $150 allowance + 20% off balance
• Lenses: $25-$135 copay (varies by type)
• Contacts: Up to $150 allowance
Choose the Exam Plan if:
• You want coverage for annual eye exams at the lowest cost
• You don't wear glasses or contacts, or only need them occasionally
• You want access to discounts on glasses if you need them
• You're primarily focused on preventive eye health
Choose the Exam Plus Plan if:
• You wear glasses or contact lenses
• You need new eyewear every year or two
• You want coverage for both exams and materials
• You want access to designer frames with a $150 allowance
• You want the flexibility to choose glasses OR contacts each year
Understanding exclusions helps you avoid surprises. Blue 20/20 does not cover:
• Lost or broken lenses, frames, glasses, or contact lenses
• Non-prescription lenses, contact lenses, or sunglasses
• Two pairs of eyeglasses in place of bifocals
• Medical or surgical treatment of the eyes (covered by health insurance)
• Vision training or orthoptic services
• Employer-required safety eyewear
• Services covered by another vision plan or workers' compensation
Note: Benefit allowances do not roll over—unused amounts cannot be saved for future use within the same benefit period.
Once enrolled, you can manage your vision coverage through Blue Connect:
• Locate in-network providers
• View benefit details and remaining allowances
• Check claim status
• Make changes or add dependents
Access Blue Connect online at BlueCrossNC.com or through the Blue Connect Mobile NC app on iPhone and Android devices.
You can purchase Blue 20/20 for Individuals, even if you don't have a Blue Cross NC health plan. This makes it a great option for:
• People with employer health insurance that doesn't include vision
• Medicare beneficiaries who want vision coverage (Original Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams)
• Self-employed individuals and freelancers
• Anyone who wants affordable, standalone vision insurance
How much does Blue 20/20 cost?
The Exam Plan costs $7.13/month ($85.56/year). The Exam Plus Plan costs $16.36/month ($196.32/year). Rates are per member and valid through December 31, 2026.
Can I use my benefits at any eye doctor?
You'll get the best value at in-network providers. The Exam Plus Plan offers out-of-network reimbursement, but amounts are lower, and you must file claims yourself.
Does Blue 20/20 cover contact lenses?
The Exam Plus Plan covers contact lenses with up to a $150 allowance. The Exam Plan provides discounts only, not coverage for contacts.
Is LASIK covered?
Both plans offer 15% off retail (or 5% off promotional prices) on LASIK, e-LASIK, and PRK through the U.S. Laser Network. This is a discount, not coverage.
How often can I use my benefits?
You can use benefits for exams, lenses/contacts, and frames once every 12 months.
Do I need Blue Cross NC health insurance to get Blue 20/20?
No, Blue 20/20 is a standalone vision insurance. You can purchase it regardless of your health insurance carrier.
At Health Plans of NC, our licensed agents can help you choose the right Blue 20/20 vision plan for your needs. We can also help you bundle vision coverage with dental insurance through Blue Cross NC's Dental Blue for Individuals plans.
Our services are completely free. We're paid by insurance carriers, never by you. Contact Health Plans of NC today to enroll in Blue 20/20 or to learn how to combine vision and dental coverage for complete protection.