Does Insurance Cover LASIK?
Millions of people rely on glasses or contact lenses for clear vision. Prescription lenses are effective, but people often tire of the upkeep they require. Individuals who want to enhance their vision without prescription lenses should consider LASIK. LASIK permanently treats refractive errors that cause nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
LASIK is a safe and effective laser vision correction technique. Unfortunately, LASIK treatment can be costly. Individuals considering LASIK treatment often wonder about insurance coverage for LASIK. The financing team at GW Eye Associates, which serves La Jolla, CA, Carmel Valley, CA, and San Diego, CA, helps patients explore the different ways to pay for LASIK treatment.
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
LASIK costs vary based on several factors, including the degree of correction needed, the surgical technique, the treatment location, and the surgeon’s experience. On average, LASIK costs around $2,200 per eye. It is common to treat both eyes, so a complete LASIK procedure should cost around $4,400.
Insurance Coverage for LASIK
Every insurance plan is unique, so we cannot say if insurance covers LASIK costs without checking with a patient’s insurance provider. However, the cost of LASIK is generally not covered by insurance benefits because it is considered elective. Vision impairment is often effectively corrected without surgery, so insurance providers frequently deny coverage.
There may be rare situations where LASIK is considered medically necessary. LASIK required because of surgery, an eye injury, or an inability to wear glasses or contact lenses should not be considered elective. As such, vision or medical insurance benefits could cover all or part of the treatment costs.
HSA and FSA Accounts
HSA and FSA accounts are alternate options for LASIK costs not covered by an insurance plan. Employers frequently offer an FSA (flexible spending arrangement or flexible spending account). Employees can contribute money to an FSA tax-free. The money in an FSA contributes to health-related expenses, including LASIK. FSA contributions within a 12-month period are usually limited to $2,750, and they do not roll over. FSA contributions may not cover all LASIK costs, but they minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
An HSA (health savings account) is similar to an FSA. An HSA is a tax-free savings account for health expenses. Individuals enrolled in high-deductible insurance plans can open HSA accounts. HSA accounts have higher limits than FSA accounts. HSA funds may cover a larger portion of LASIK costs than an FSA because contributions can roll over from year to year.
Personal Financing Options
Patients without insurance coverage or access to FSA or HSA accounts can pay for LASIK with personal financing plans. Several companies offer personal loans or credit cards to cover medical expenses. Our staff can direct patients to trusted financing companies and work with them to find a financing plan that helps make LASIK fit within their budget.
Contact GW Eye Associates
LASIK offers patients clear vision without the hassles of prescription lenses. If you would like to learn more about LASIK treatment, including the anticipated cost of care, we invite you to schedule a consultation at GW Eye Associates. To get started, contact our office online or call (858) 454-4699.
