Wondering if your insurance can help cover the cost of LASIK surgery? In many cases, while LASIK can improve your vision, it’s often considered an elective procedure.
As a result, many insurance plans may not cover it fully. However, there are some options that might help reduce the cost, depending on your policy.
For instance, some insurance companies offer discounts on LASIK through partnerships with certain providers. In addition, you might have access to flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs) to help cover the expense.
Therefore, it’s important to review your plan or speak with your provider to understand what’s included.
What Is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a type of eye surgery that helps correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
It works by reshaping the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye, allowing light to focus properly on the retina.
The procedure is quick, often taking only 15 to 30 minutes, and many people experience improved vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses afterward.
Do Insurance Providers Cover LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK is often viewed as an elective procedure by most insurance providers. Since there are alternative options like glasses or contact lenses, many insurance plans don’t fully cover the cost of vision correction surgery.
However, coverage can vary between insurance companies. Some benefit packages may offer full or partial coverage for LASIK, so it’s essential to check with your insurance provider to see if it’s included in your plan. You can also get help from a clinic’s staff to determine if your insurance covers LASIK during a pre-operative consultation.
Furthermore, if you have been contributing to a Health Spending Account (HSA) through your employer, you might be able to use these funds to help pay for the procedure. Your health benefits provider can give you more details on how your HSA can be used for LASIK.
Does Medicare Cover LASIK Surgery?
Medicare does not usually cover LASIK surgery. Since LASIK is considered an elective procedure, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not provide coverage for it.
Original Medicare generally doesn’t include routine eye care, but it might cover eye exams or surgeries that doctors deem medically necessary for certain conditions.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans also usually do not cover LASIK, but they might offer additional vision benefits.
These benefits could include routine vision care such as annual eye exams, corrective glasses, contact lenses, or frames.
To know exactly what your insurance covers, it’s important to check with your Medicare Advantage provider.
How Much Does LASIK Cost?
The cost of LASIK surgery can vary significantly, usually ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye. On average, the price in the U.S. in 2020 was around $2,632 per eye.
While some advertisements may promote LASIK for as low as $250, these offers are often for minimal corrections and serve to attract patients.
Several factors influence the cost, including geographical location, the doctor’s overhead, and their experience or demand. For instance, doctors who own their laser equipment may offer lower prices, while those leasing equipment may charge more.
In addition, highly sought-after surgeons may charge premium prices due to their reputation. The severity of your vision issue generally does not affect the cost. This is because LASIK usually has a set price within its safe treatment range.
However, more complex procedures like implantable contact lenses (ICL) or refractive lens exchange (RLE) may be necessary for patients with severe vision problems and tend to be more expensive than LASIK.
Bottom Line
Many insurance plans don’t fully cover LASIK because doctors often consider it elective. However, some offer discounts or partial coverage, and you can use an HSA or FSA to help with costs.
Medicare doesn’t cover LASIK, but Medicare Advantage plans might offer some vision benefits. The cost of LASIK ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye, depending on factors like location and surgeon experience. Always check with your insurance provider to know what’s in your policy.