However, it is vital to protect your eyes and preserve your vision. Neglecting eye health can lead to degenerating vision and other issues. In this article, we want to make sure you are maximizing your insurance benefits for the sake of your eyes, so you don’t have to choose what parts of your health and wellness deserve attention.
Types of Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Cover
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are a popular option for covering smaller medical costs. FSAs are special accounts that you can choose to put money into specifically to pay for out-of-pocket health care costs.
FSAs are unique in that the money you put into them isn’t taxed, so you save a little bit each time you put money into the plan and use it. There are limits on how much can be deposited into the plan yearly, but using an FSA can go a long way to helping ensure health care. The catch with these types of accounts is that an employer must offer them, and you often must use most of the money deposited in the same year.
A lot of people may not be aware that vision and eye care costs typically qualify as FSA-eligible expenses. FSA accounts cover many of the same things as vision insurance plans, but if all you require is an annual or biannual checkup, opting for an FSA may save you money.
Eye Care Expenses You Can Cover With FSA
HSA and FSA accounts cover many of the same things as traditional vision insurance plans. For many people, these styles of accounts will cover most, if not all, eye care medical costs they may run into during a typical year. Here are the types of expenses typically considered eligible:
- Prescription Corrective Lenses: If you require corrective lenses to improve your vision and have a prescription, they are most likely FSA-eligible.
- Frames: Of course, you'll need frames to hold your lenses in place, and these are likely to be covered by your FSA as well. You can choose your stylish frames from the extensive selection at Asheville Vision and Wellness.
- Prescription Sunglasses: Sunglasses provide eye health benefits even if you don’t need them to see more clearly. However, they are most likely FSA-eligible if you require prescription UV protection.
- Eye Exams: Yearly eye checkups are recommended for everyone over the age of six, which your FSA may cover in part or in full. Make an appointment for an eye exam at a convenient time to check for any changes in your vision that may require the usage of corrective lenses. Exams for your entire family are likely eligible under the same account.
- Contact Lenses: You may be eligible for FSA if you require contacts for vision correction (rather than just changing your eye color).
- Reading Glasses: As we become older, most individuals will experience more difficulty in their near vision and need glasses and or contact lenses to aid in reading more clearly. If you need reading glasses, you may be able to purchase them with your FSA, even if they are not required for everyday usage. But just like corrective lenses and sunglasses, you will need a prescription to be covered.
- Other Eye Health Needs: If you require drugs or have other eye health expenses, you should check whether they are FSA-eligible. Certain medications can fall under these accounts' general medication allowances.
Just like traditional vision insurance, FSA accounts are generally limited when it comes to covering more expensive medical costs. Many chronic conditions begin to put our eyesight at ever greater risk as we age. Issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy require costly and ongoing treatment and are thus placed under general health insurance coverage.
As we approach the end of the year, now is the time to check the balance of any FSA; you have to make sure you get the benefit from saving to the account; your eyes will thank you later.
Asheville Vision and Wellness
For Buncombe and surrounding counties in North Carolina, Asheville Vision and Wellness has the expertise, respect, and technology you can trust with your vision. If you have any concerns or questions regarding insurance, coverage options, or eye care costs, our knowledgeable staff can help answer your questions.
Since 1989, our staff has served the area using the latest science and medical treatments to keep your vision healthy. Our optometrists are certified in diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular disease with examinations customized just for your unique eye-care needs. We accept a wide variety of insurance plans and payment options.
If you have concerns about your eyesight or are overdue for an annual checkup, schedule an appointment online or call us at (828) 747-9260.