Does insurance cover LASIK in Columbus, Ohio?

One of the most common questions asked by individuals considering LASIK is how much the procedure costs with insurance. The simple answer is that it likely won’t affect the price by much, as most insurers don’t cover the procedure, as laser eye surgery is commonly regarded as an elective surgical procedure. However, even if your insurance company won’t normally cover your surgery, there are still ways to save money.

While some companies may set aside funds to cover this type of procedure, usually only large specialty unions dedicate some of the monthly premiums to cover eye surgery. However, LASIK is becoming more and more popular among insurance holders as an elective surgery, so many plans are beginning to offer a discount program for the procedure.

Patients can choose to use Flexible Spending Accounts for LASIK Coverage.

It is important to watch out for bait and switch pricing when it comes to LASIK. Companies may offer the surgery for anywhere from $399 per eye and up. But this price increases due to different prescriptions and astigmatisms. That is why Arena Eye Surgeons offers a Free consultation to ensure that you understand the pricing, qualifications, and expectations of this procedure from the beginning.

While most insurance policies don’t cover laser eye surgery, there are some special cases for individuals who can demonstrate that they have a need for it.

The most common way to have laser eye surgery covered is job based. Members of the US, Canadian and Australian armed forces serving in some special operations units and who meet certain criteria related to vision may be able to get coverage for LASIK. The downsides are that the waiting periods can be quite long and the surgery usually needs to be carried out in a military facility.

There are also a few civilian jobs that can qualify. If you’re a police officer or firefighter, the safety requirements of your job could convince an insurer that laser eye surgery is medically necessary. Professional athletes, actors and other entertainers may also be able to demonstrate that the procedure is necessary due to their job, as having to wear glasses or contact lenses could limit one’s career advancement. However, you should know that it may not be easy to convince an insurer and you will likely spend hours putting together the paperwork needed to back up your claim.

Finally, if you have some medical conditions, such as certain allergies, intolerance to contact lenses or severe dry eyes, you may be able to get the cost of your procedure covered. You will need to have documentation from an ophthalmologist that states the condition you’re suffering from and that it makes wearing glasses or contacts impossible, dangerous or highly uncomfortable. Upon reviewing the submitted documentation, the insurer will make a final decision as to whether laser eye surgery is a medical necessity for you.