Does BCBS Insurance Cover Lasik and Other Vision Corrections

If you're considering LASIK or other vision correction procedures and have Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance, you're likely wondering if your coverage extends to these services.

BCBS insurance may cover LASIK and other vision correction procedures, but it depends on the specific plan you have. In some cases, BCBS may cover a portion of the costs associated with LASIK, such as the consultation fees or follow-up care.

It's essential to review your policy documents and contact your insurance provider to determine the extent of your coverage. Some BCBS plans may have specific requirements or limitations for LASIK coverage.

BCBS and Lasik: What's Covered?

BCBS, or Blue Cross Blue Shield, does not cover Lasik in full, but some member discounts are available. You can save an average of $715 per eye on Lasik surgery with health insurance discounts.

These discounts are usually put on your bill right away, so you don't have to worry about paying up front and getting reimbursed. However, the costs for Lasik will still fall outside of your health insurance plan's deductibles and copayments.

If you have both health insurance and vision insurance, you can't combine Lasik discounts from both plans. It's usually worth getting a vision insurance plan if you expect to have Lasik surgery, as the amount you save on Lasik surgery is often more than the plan costs for a year.

You can also use funds in an FSA or HSA to pay for Lasik surgery, which can help your money go further when paying for health expenses. Using an FSA can save you 31% on the cost of Lasik, but actual savings vary based on your tax rate and the cost of your procedure.

Some insurance companies known for discounts on Lasik are Davis Vision, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and VSP. If you're unsure if your health insurance offers a member discount, it's best to call and find out before scheduling your Lasik consultation.

Here are some insurance companies that offer member discounts on Lasik:

Insurance coverage for LASIK is a bit of a gray area. Insurance companies typically don't cover LASIK in full because it's considered an elective procedure.

You can call your insurance company to see if you qualify for a member discount, which can help reduce the cost. Some companies known for offering discounts are Davis Vision, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and VSP.

Some insurance companies offer financing options to help make LASIK more affordable. For example, you can pay off your procedure over time with a bank loan or zero-interest credit card.

If you work in a job that requires LASIK, such as the special forces, or if you have a medical condition that makes contacts or glasses impossible, you might be able to get LASIK covered. However, this is rare and not guaranteed.

To find out if your BCBS policy covers LASIK, you can follow these steps: call the BCBS customer service line, examine your policy documents, and verify that your eye surgeon is an in-network provider.

Here's a breakdown of the cost of LASIK with a health insurance discount:

As a Blue Cross Blue Shield member, you'll need to pay monthly premiums, which can vary depending on your plan and location. The amount will be deducted from your paycheck as pre-tax dollars if you're a federal employee.

Uniformed service members, on the other hand, will pay their premiums through payroll deduction or automatic bank withdrawal using post-tax dollars. Annuitants make their payments through annuity deductions on their post-tax dollars.

You may have to make a copayment for the lenses if you need glasses after the eye exam, which can cost around $10 or $15. If you exceed your plan's allowance, the price may go up.

Using in-network providers can help you save money and get the most from your vision insurance benefits, and members pay the same no matter where they go in-network.

The cost of Lasik per eye can vary depending on the insurance company and the type of surgery you need. Cigna offers a discounted rate of $695 per eye.

You may be able to get a lower rate if you use a specific Lasik chain. For example, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) discount programs can only be used at a LasikPlus facility.

Here's a breakdown of the costs per eye with insurance discounts:

Keep in mind that your actual prices and insurance discounts will be different based on your plan, the location where you get your surgery, and the type of surgery you need.

Insurance companies that offer member discounts for LASIK include Davis Vision, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and VSP. You can call your insurance to find out if you qualify.

Some insurance companies may cover LASIK under special circumstances, such as if you work in a job that requires LASIK, like the special forces, or if you have severe allergies and dry eye. However, these circumstances don't guarantee insurance coverage.

If you have a Blue Cross Blue Shield policy, you can call their customer service line or visit their website to inquire about LASIK coverage. You should also examine your policy documents to see if they cover vision-related benefits and exclusions.

Cigna offers a LASIK discount of $695 per eye, plus a 15% discount, while BCBS offers a discount of $1,995 per eye, with a $400 discount. Anthem and UHC also offer similar discounts, but with different conditions.

LASIK is not covered by insurance because it's considered an elective procedure, similar to facelifts or tummy tucks. However, there are financing options available, such as bank loans, zero-interest credit cards, and financing through LASIK practices.

Here's a summary of the insurance companies that offer LASIK discounts:

LASIK eye surgery can be a game-changer for people with vision issues, allowing them to ditch glasses and contact lenses for good.

However, the cost of LASIK can be a major concern for many. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether health insurance, especially Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), will cover the costs of LASIK eye surgery.

LASIK is a refractive procedure that uses a precise laser to reshape the cornea and improve how light is focused on the retina. It's a safe and reliable method for treating astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.

The popularity of LASIK has grown because of its ability to offer long-lasting vision improvement and quick recovery.