Do I Need Vision Insurance?

While there are various sources available for US citizens to get health coverage, it remains a well-known fact that not everyone can afford to buy additional insurance coverage on their own. In fact, approximately 47 million out of 327.2 million (2018) Americans– 8.7 million of whom are children–do not have any health care coverage at all. While this number comes from all different socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicities, they are  generally young people who work in small businesses and who earn low wages.

Available data also bears out that more than eight out of ten individuals who lack insurance come from working families. This implies that despite their working, many still go without health insurance–a fact that often leads them to delay care or go without care altogether. Moreover, when they do receive care, it is sadly likely to be of lower quality.

Uninsured Americans cite cost as the major reason behind their being twice as likely as their insured counterparts to allow a medical need to remain unmet. It is this limited health insurance coverage, which can be chalked up to the differences in Medicaid coverage and benefits across states, that makes healthcare inaccessible to many.

We all know that proper vision is an essential medical need, yet it’s one of the aspects of our health that we often overlook. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) says that approximately 14 million Americans suffer from some form of visual impairment, which is defined as having distance visual acuity of 20/50 or more. More than 80% or some 11 million could improve their vision with corrective lenses, the agency says: This data in itself makes a pretty solid case for the purchase of vision insurance.

Accessibility to vision care professionals such as an optician in Minneapolis, for instance, is often limited at best. While vision care is included in Medicare and Medicaid—including programs that the U.S. government funds for those aged 65 and older, individuals with specific disabilities, and people with low income–not everyone benefits from it. It is the type and comprehensiveness of health insurance that one invests in that determines the availability and cost of eye care services to the average American.

Investing in vision care is, in fact, like playing a game of roulette: many aren’t sure if the money they invest in premiums for vision care insurance will exceed the payout. Oftentimes, people think that the savings won’t be large enough to bother, which is likely why only 4 percent of Americans without health insurance have reportedly purchased optional vision insurance–a dismal number by any account.

How will a separate vision insurance policy benefit you most? A policy will generally cover expenses for  getting an annual  eye exam, vision corrective wear, contact lens examinations, corrective eye surgery and more. Benefits and policy options will vary by carrier; some insurance providers even cover needs such as eye surgery procedures to permanently correct a vision problem.

Such as it is, vision care may not make sense for everyone — after all, there are many with stable, good vision. Exam costs and vision plans in general can vary significantly by provider and by market. You might want to check if you have, or are eligible for Group vision insurance, which is available through various channels. Vision insurance may be part of your individual health plan or your employer’s health insurance plan, for instance — but you still might want to also check whether it provides sufficient coverage for you and your dependents. Typically, an employer plan will cost less because the company pays a portion of the premium. If you don’t have such coverage, then you would benefit from purchasing a supplemental vision insurance policy.

Such a supplemental policy can be obtained through your company, association, school district, or through government programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Those who are self-employed or are otherwise not eligible for a group plan, on the other hand, can purchase policies individually. Vision insurance is, to put it simply, the term commonly used to describe health and wellness plans designed to reduce your costs for routine preventive eye care and prescription eyewear and discounts on elective vision correction surgery, such as LASIK and PRK.

Even if you have good eye health, you should still make it a habit to get an eye exam once a year. Why so? Studies bear out that maintaining good visual health is important to overall health. Eye doctors often find the first signs of serious health conditions, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. And while vision care plans may not cover treatment of medical issues related to the eye, they are still useful in helping detect early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, among other things.

Even if you don’t have access to vision insurance at work, electing to pay for it on your own shouldn’t break the bank. In fact, you can even find it for less than $20 per month. A quick check of various insurers websites bear out this fact, with vision insurance plans starting at $16, $17, and $18 per month per person. You will still need to pay a portion of costs for visits, exams, and glasses or contacts but, typically, the higher your monthly premium, the less you’ll have to shoulder out of pocket for these services.

Even if you don’t have access to vision insurance at work, electing to pay for it on your own shouldn’t break the bank. In fact, you can even find it for less than $20 per month. A quick check of various insurers websites bear out this fact, with vision insurance plans starting at $16, $17, and $18 per month per person. You will still need to pay a portion of costs for visits, exams, and glasses or contacts but, typically, the higher your monthly premium, the less you’ll have to shoulder out of pocket for these services.

Where can you individual or family vision health insurance? You might be surprised to find that you can purchase it through websites. Still, make doubly sure that:

• The provider you’re considering offers plans in your area. Check by entering your ZIP code.
• Use the provider directory to make sure the plan covers your preferred vision specialist, or to find one near you.
• Choose a plan that doesn’t have a waiting period for you to get your eye examination, contacts or glasses.
• Many insurers offer vision plans alongside dental insurance, so check for combination plans if you need both.

As earlier mentioned, eye exams are important even for those who still have perfect vision as they can detect hidden medical problems. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you follow this table to determine how frequently you should get vision exams done.

If you have poor vision, a family history of eye disease or a condition that increases the risk of eye disease, such as diabetes, have exams done more frequently.

If you’re one among the many Americans who needs glasses or other corrective treatment, we’d urge you to get yourself vision insurance. We promise: you won’t regret doing so.

You can count on Downtown Eyes for extensive, high-quality eye care Minneapolis, Minnesota and surrounding areas. Call us at (612) 333-EYES (3937) to schedule your appointment.