LASIK surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure that improves vision for patients who wear corrective lenses. The procedure, which takes only a few minutes to complete, is very effective in treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
One of the foremost questions for many patients is, do insurance plans cover LASIK? The short answer is: Not usually. In general, the procedure is not considered to be medically necessary. However, there are a few medical and vision plans that cover some or most of the procedure.
Also, most vision plans may offer a small discount on LASIK. You can also pay for LASIK surgery through a Flex Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). These are accounts in which you can save your money tax-free for various medical expenses!
What Makes LASIK Surgery an Elective Surgery?
The rationale is that if the patient can wear corrective lenses to improve vision, then LASIK surgery should be paid for out-of-pocket.
How Do I Know If I Have a Vision Plan?
If you are not sure whether you have a vision plan as a part of your medical insurance, you can call your insurance provider or your counselor can help you when you call for consultation.
How Do I Know Whether My Vision Insurance Plan Covers Part of LASIK?
There are several ways one can go about verifying coverage for this procedure. The person can inquire directly with the vision plan and ask about coverage. Conducting a policy review with Benefits Coordinator of an employer is another way to research the specifics of a plan. At your free LASIK consultation, you can also ask the refractive counselor whether your vision plan offers any discount on your LASIK procedure.
What If I Don’t Have a Vision Plan or My Vision Plan Does Not Offer a Discount on LASIK?
Whether or not vision insurance plans cover LASIK with a discount, Berkeley Eye Center offers a variety of payment options that can help make this procedure an easy-to-afford option for you. Financing (with approved credit) is available for patients through Care Credit and Alphaeon.
Through an employer, a person may also have access to a flexible spending account that would allow one to set aside pre-tax dollars each pay period to pay for various medical expenses, including LASIK. Many patients choose to pay for their LASIK through their Flex Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to take advantage of the tax-savings. These accounts are often offered by employers and funded through payroll deductions.
Berkeley Eye Center also accepts major credit cards. If you pay by cash, cashier check or money order, you will receive a 5% discount.
Call 713-526-3937 today to schedule a free LASIK consultation or request an appointment online!