Posted by: Manhattan LASIK Center

Vision problems affect a vast majority of Americans. In some cases, laser vision correction offers the right solution. But even in those cases, the question may come down to payment. Will your health insurance pay for it?

Unfortunately, health insurers rarely cover laser vision correction. They mostly pay for glasses and contacts only. They consider laser vision correction to be an elective procedure. They do not view it as medically necessary.

So How Do You Pay?

Several options can help you pay for the procedure. However, keep in mind that you will have to shoulder some of the cost. The final price will depend on how much work the doctor needs to do on your eyes. So what ways are there to pay for laser vision correction?

Vision Insurance

If your insurance has a vision plan, they may have a special arrangement with a local practice. In this case, the insurance may help you pay in part. You need to contact the insurance to confirm if this is the case.

Otherwise, they may offer some help if you have vision insurance. Unlike standard health insurance, vision insurance helps patients with eye care. So, they may include additional services and savings for clients who need laser vision correction. The benefits may include:
 

  • Discounts of five to 15 percent on procedures
  • Higher discounts of up to 50 percent for surgery by an in-network surgeon
  • Non-prescription sunglasses after the surgery

You can then plan on how to cover the rest of the cost.

Out-of-Pocket

You can pay for the surgery on your own. Doctors offer monthly plans to help you clear your bill. They also offer discounts if you pay in full with cash. At the Manhattan LASIK Center, you can get no-interest plans for six, twelve, eighteen, up to 24 months.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Some employers offer access to these accounts to allow employees to set aside tax-free money to cover future medical bills. They can later use it for procedures like laser vision correction. You do not have to tap out your account. You can use only part of the funds. Before using this option, check with your FSA plan to know the eligible medical expenses.

Union or Labor Health Insurance

Some unions have health plans that will cover some portion of the refractive surgery. An example is a union for operating engineers. They consider correct vision to be necessary for employment. Therefore, they pay about $1,000 for the cost of the procedure.

Medicare and Medicaid

These will only pay for the procedure if:
 

  • Refractive damage is a result of injury
  • Refractive damage is a result of previous surgery
  • You have severe refractive errors
  • You cannot wear glasses or contact lenses due to physical limitations

Bonuses, Gifts, and Refunds

Bonuses from work, cash gifts, or tax refunds are examples of unexpected financial windfalls. If laser vision correction is your priority, you can channel this money towards paying your bill.

Check With HR

Always check with your human resource manager. They may help you know if some provisions can compel your insurance provider to cover your procedure. They may also point you to job benefits to help you pay for the surgery.

For more on insurance for laser vision correction, visit Manhattan LASIK Center at our offices in Roslyn, New York at (516) 461-2300 today to schedule an appointment.