Vision correction surgery has helped millions of people reduce or eliminate their need for glasses and contacts, but many patients hold off because of one question: Will insurance cover it? The short answer is that most health and vision plans do not cover elective procedures like LASIK.
However, Frantz EyeCare offers a range of options to help make vision correction surgery fit your budget. Keep reading to learn more about how clear vision might actually be more affordable than you think.
Why Insurance Usually Doesn’t Cover Vision Correction Surgery
Health insurance is built around medical necessity. Because most vision correction procedures, including LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, RLE, and PRK, are considered elective, insurers categorize them alongside other optional procedures rather than medically required treatments. Your vision plan may cover routine eye exams, a portion of prescription glasses, or contact lens fittings, but it typically stops there.
There are rare exceptions. If a procedure is deemed medically necessary, such as PRK following certain corneal conditions or eye injuries, some plans may provide partial coverage. The team at Frantz EyeCare can help you review your benefits and determine whether any portion of your procedure qualifies.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Procedure
Even without insurance coverage, vision correction surgery is within reach for many patients. Several financing and payment tools can help spread or reduce costs.
HSA and FSA Accounts
If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those pre-tax dollars to pay for qualifying vision correction procedures. Because the money is set aside before taxes are applied, you effectively pay less for your procedure than you would with a standard out-of-pocket payment. Contact your HR department to confirm the specific guidelines for your plan.
Flexible Monthly Payment Plans with CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card accepted at Frantz EyeCare and designed specifically for procedures not covered by insurance, including LASIK and premium intraocular lenses. It offers special financing on purchases of $200 or more, allowing you to begin your procedure now and pay over time in monthly installments that fit your budget. You can apply online through CareCredit’s website or call the Frantz EyeCare office for more details.
Additional Payment Options
Frantz EyeCare accepts cash, personal checks, certified checks, money orders, and all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. A 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments, though debit card payments carry no surcharge.
Is the Investment Still Worth It?
For many patients, the upfront cost of vision correction surgery is actually less expensive when compared to the long-term expense of prescription glasses and contact lenses. Frames, lenses, contacts, and cleaning supplies add up considerably over the years.
According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, and patient satisfaction following surgery is reported at 96%. When viewed against a lifetime of corrective lens costs, the math often favors surgery.
Clear Vision on Your Terms
Vision correction surgery insurance coverage may be limited, but the cost of your procedure doesn’t have to stand between you and clearer vision. Between HSA and FSA accounts, CareCredit financing, and flexible payment options, there are real paths forward for most patients.
To find out which procedure is right for you, schedule a vision correction consultation at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL, today.
