Making Eye Care Affordable in Washington

Vision benefits can be obtained through your employer, association, school district, or a government program like Medicare or Medicaid. If you don’t have access to a group plan, you can also purchase an individual vision benefits plan from private providers. Many health insurance plans, including HMO, PPO, and indemnity health insurance, may offer vision coverage as a value-added benefit.

There are two main types of vision benefits:

1. Vision Benefits Package: Provides eye care services in exchange for an annual premium, deductible, and co-pays.
2. Discount Vision Plan: Offers eye care at reduced rates after an annual premium or membership fee is paid.

Both options can be customized to fit different needs, whether for individuals, families, or employer-based plans.

Most vision benefits plans include coverage for:

• Annual eye exams to assess vision and eye health.
• Eyeglass frames and prescription lenses.
• Contact lenses and fittings.
• Discounted rates on LASIK and PRK vision correction surgery.

Coverage details vary by provider, and in-network services are often more affordable than out-of-network care.

If you have group vision benefits through your employer, you usually pay for it via payroll deductions or flexible spending accounts (FSAs). FSAs allow employees to use pre-tax dollars for health benefits, saving money on vision expenses. If you purchase an individual vision benefits plan, you will typically be billed monthly or annually.

No, vision benefits covers routine eye care, like exams, glasses, and contacts, while medical insurance covers eye conditions and diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye care, and eye injuries.

Yes! Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) allow you to use pre-tax dollars for eligible vision expenses, including eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and even LASIK. Using these accounts can help lower out-of-pocket costs of essential vision care.

Most vision benefits plans have annual benefits that expire at the end of the year, meaning if you don’t use them, you lose them. This applies to eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, so it’s important to schedule your appointments and take advantage of any available benefits before they reset.

In most cases, FSA funds do not roll over and must be used within the designated calendar year. HSA funds may roll over, but it’s important to check with your provider. If you have an FSA, make sure to use the allocated funds for eye exams, glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses before they expire.

You can check your vision insurance by contacting your provider, reviewing your plan details online, or asking our office for assistance. We’re happy to help you understand your coverage, verify your benefits, and maximize your plan to ensure you’re getting the best value.