Many people will immediately assume that the price for LASIK surgery in Los Angeles is out of their budget. The reason for this is that it is such a highly regarded vision correction procedure that can target various levels of astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Since it has such a high patient satisfaction rate, people tend to believe that they will not be able to afford it. However, there are actually quite a few financial options available to pay for laser eye surgery.
When you are investigating LASIK eye surgery cost in Los Angeles, be sure to check with your health insurance company. Certain individuals may be able to have parts of the procedure covered by their insurance plan. However, if you (like many others) do not qualify for insurance coverage, then you can also check into payment options like FSA and HSA.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Basically, HSA is a savings account that is exempt from taxes when it is combined with a high-deductible health plan. Many people use a health savings account to pay for large medical expenses because it will not be taxed. In order to utilize this account with your health insurance plan, you must ensure that they are compatible. According to Doctor Moosa, one of the leading LASIK experts in Los Angeles, the IRS will often change the requirements of high-deductible plans. So, you should always do your research to make sure that you can use an HSA to pay for your laser eye surgery.
Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
When people have health insurance through their employer, they can often use flexible savings account for copayments, medications, deductibles, and other health care expenses. These accounts can help reduce overall taxes as well. While employers are not required to contribute to FSAs, some may do so anyway. Check with your HR department to learn more about your company’s policy. Generally, there are set guidelines for what a flexible spending account can be used for.
How Much is Laser Eye Surgery
Before looking at your financing options, you should first understand the total cost of your LASIK surgery. Most clinics will offer a quote of around $2,000 an eye, which will equal about $4,000 for both eyes. However, these prices may vary according to the experience of the surgeon, the technology available, and the complexity of the procedure needed. When estimating the total price, the best laser eye surgery clinic in Los Angeles such as Excel laser Vision Institute will account for the presurgical testing and consultation as well as the postsurgical follow-ups. Transparency is key when it comes to understanding these expenses.
Health Insurance
LASIK is considered an elective procedure, which is why most health and vision insurance policies do not cover it. However, there are some professions in which LASIK may be considered a necessity. Some of these include: military service, law enforcement, and professional sports athletes. Alternatively, some insurance policies may be disputed if LASIK will improve overall eye health due to allergies, dry eye, or contact lens intolerance. The only way to know if your insurance will cover any part of laser eye surgery is to ask.
