Having vision insurance helps reduce the costs of eye care expenses. Just like health insurance, you pay a monthly premium for this coverage. While health insurance covers the cost of treating eye-related diseases or injuries, a vision plan covers the cost of regular eye care maintenance, including prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as eye exam visits.
Types of Vision Insurance Plans
Vision insurance plans can make routine eye care more affordable. There are two types of plans: a vision benefits package and a plan with discounts for eye care and eyewear. The vision benefits package may require a co-payment from you at the time of service, with the balance shouldered by the plan. With the discount plan, you pay fully for services, but a discounted rate participating eye care providers have agreed to charge members.
Regardless of what you choose for your vision insurance, you are purchasing two products. The first one is access to a network of eye care providers who have agreed to offer services or products at reduced prices either to you or to your employer in charge of the insurance plan. These providers are the general ophthalmologists and optometrists. The second one is specific eye care products and services, including eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Evaluating Vision Insurance Plans
When assessing which vision insurance plan is the right fit for you, estimate your present and future eye care needs. Check your records from the last few years to see what types of eye care services you and other family members have used in the past and the number of times they were used by each member.
Review the benefits included in the available plans and evaluate which ones best meet your needs. Choose a vision insurance plan with quality assurance mechanisms and easy-to-understand grievance procedures.
Opti-Care is a full-service eye care center specializing in eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses prescriptions, dry eye treatments and LASIK co-management. No matter what your unique visual needs are, you can be sure that our experienced optometrist can provide the solution you need and the expert services you deserve.
Call us today at (410) 795-8670 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Marriottsville and Westminster, MD.