Every day, many Americans discover they must wear spectacles or contact lenses. At the same time, many others want to get rid of these aids through Lasik eye surgery. A well-known corrective eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to improve focus, Lasik’s costs can be a deterrent.
The procedure is growing popular at the same time. Data from the National Library of Medicine shows that over 800,000 Lasik procedures have been performed annually for the last ten years in the U.S. The question remains: does health insurance cover Lasik? And that’s what this blog will discuss. Read to know more.
Does Health Insurance Cover Lasik?
Lasik surgery is ordinarily considered an elective procedure as opposed to a medical necessity thus most health insurance plans don’t cover its cost. However, exceptions and coverage may vary depending on the individual’s insurance plan and provider. Some private health insurers may have Lasik surgery covered under their vision care benefits while others could offer discounts on the same. Still, individuals have to scrutinize their policies to be sure.
Private Company Coverage for Lasik
Various private health insurance companies might offer Lasik surgery coverage or discounts as part of their vision care benefits. Here is a look at some of the leading U.S. health insurance providers’ Lasik policies.
Aetna
Aetna is one of the leading healthcare service providers in the U.S., popular for its comprehensive coverage options. One such offering is a vision discount program designed for Aetna members. This program covers services, including discounts on Lasik surgery by network facilities. Through this program, Aetna members can minimize the associated financial burden.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield
The Blue Cross-Blue Shield system includes many health insurance firms, each offering different plans with various coverage levels. Though some Blue Cross-Blue Shield policies might offer Lasik surgery coverage or reduced rates, the details may differ depending on the specific plan and geographical region.
Cigna
Cigna, another major health insurer, provides for the procedure at lower costs through its network of vision care providers. Registered members can only get low pricing on Lasik procedures if they use participating providers.
UnitedHealth
UnitedHealth has a wide array of medical covers, including vision plans, that may have provisions for Lasik surgery. Depending on the exact plan design and provider network, United Health member subscribers to United Health Vision Plans might be covered for any Lasik procedures carried out under it. Members should review their vision plan details and contact their health insurer to know if coverage is available and what level of financial support can be obtained for Lasik treatment from the firm.
Humana
Humana, a prominent health insurance provider, may grant its members access to discounts on LASIK surgery through participating providers. With various health insurance plans, including vision coverage options, Humana members can benefit from discounts or coverage for Lasik procedures.
Conclusion
While Lasik surgery is generally considered an elective procedure and isn’t covered by most health insurance plans, some private companies may offer coverage or discounts as part of their vision care benefits. It’s essential for individuals who are considering Lasik to review their insurance plan and inquire about any available coverage or discounts. For those seeking comprehensive health insurance coverage that includes vision care benefits, platforms like Beem offer a convenient way to compare insurance plans and find the best coverage options tailored to individual needs.
FAQs
Is Lasik a qualified healthcare expense?
Lasik is generally not considered a qualified healthcare expense under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) by the IRS. However, some plans may offer limited exceptions. It’s always best to consult with your plan administrator for specific details.
Does Lasik go towards the insurance deductible?
Since Lasik is considered elective and often not covered by insurance, it wouldn’t count towards your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering medical expenses. So, Lasik costs wouldn’t reduce your deductible for other covered healthcare needs.
How to save money on Lasik eye surgery?
There are several ways to save money on Lasik eye surgery, including exploring options like FSAs or HSAs to pay for it with pre-tax dollars, comparing quotes from different providers, inquiring about special promotions or discounts offered by Lasik clinics, and exploring financing options.
