While LASIK is still generally considered elective and not a medically necessary surgery, LASIK is not typically covered in full by insurance, but many plans do provide a discount program or members rewards options for corrective eye surgery. These types of options are more common with vision specific insurance plans versus health insurance plans but if available to you, can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Discounts can also help to reduce out of pockets costs at the time you are billed for your surgery without waiting for reimbursement. Although LASIK is considered a voluntary procedure, you may be able to prove that LASIK is medically necessary because of your occupation or severe dry eye syndrome. If you can establish necessity, it may be possible for more of the procedure to be covered under insurance, but it is not the general rule.
Many of the well-known insurance companies such as VSP, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Block Vision, Solstice, EyeMed, etc. typically cover up to $800 of LASIK surgery, including a lifetime of free enhancements. If your insurance does not cover LASIK or only covers a certain portion of the procedure, there are other ways to save money. First, ask your eye surgeon’s office about financing plans. Many surgical practices offer options for qualified patients. Part of your LASIK experience should include the care and guidance of the accounting team at your surgeon’s office to help understand both your financial obligation and ways to help you afford their services. Low-interest credit cards or payment plans can aid patients in managing affordable monthly payments versus one lump sum. Another option is utilizing a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) procured by you as an individual or offered by your employer. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-taxed money, often directly from your paycheck, to pay for eligible medical expenses. You may also consider more creative options for saving for LASIK such as asking that gift contributions be monetary to put toward LASIK, consider a temporary second job, and carefully scouting for special discounts offered by reputable, board-certified surgeons.
If you are interested in LASIK, Lipstock LASIK & Cataract Center recommends contacting your current insurance provider as well as your employer’s human resource manager for clarification on how much of your procedure will be covered. To learn more about the LASIK procedure, what you can expect, and what insurance plans we accept, please visit WEBSITE. To schedule a consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for LASIK, give our office a call today at 804-288-1543.