Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Benefits

Vision benefits are essential, especially given that our vision worsens as we age. Eye conditions tend to be at their worse before they manifest, making eye exams crucial and necessary. Thus, vision insurance is key to anyone who wants to preserve their vision through regular visits to the eye doctor.

Many optometrists and other eye doctors encourage their patients to get covered. They also advise how you can get the best out of your plan. Because a vision plan is necessary, it is crucial to understand what you get, the different plans available, and other things included with a plan.
So, what are the frequently asked questions about vision benefits?

HSA vs. FSA

The first thing you may hear or learn about vision benefits and plans is the HSA and FSA. HSA is the acronym for Health Savings Account, while FSA stands for Flexible Spending Account. Both are health plans that support vision benefits you can fund throughout the year and access when you need vision services.

HSAs and FSAs are similar in some ways, but there are some critical differences between the two funds. Both funds contain tax-free dollars that you can use for eligible healthcare services, including vision benefits. One significant difference between the two is that to qualify for an HSA, you must be part of a high-deductible health plan.

An FSA offers more flexibility compared to an HSA. FSAs are pretax accounts that an employer provides for healthcare and a workplace insurance plan. It is not a requirement to have a health insurance plan to get an FSA.
 

VSP

VSP is a vision insurance provider operating in the United States and other countries. They offer different benefits for their clients to cater to different needs and incomes. They include a comprehensive list of eye doctors you can visit if you have their coverage.

You can include different dependents in your plans if you have a family. You can get most of all these at low out-of-pocket costs. VSP has some of the most affordable rates available on the market.
 

What Does “Use It or Lose It” Mean?

Unlike many standard health care plans, some vision insurance plans require you to use up whatever funds you have in them before the calendar runs out. Any funds you still have in your account at the end of the year will not be carried over to the following year.

Because of this, the phrase “use it or lose it” accompanies the vision plans with this feature. Getting this kind of plan makes sense if you are sure your visual health requires you spend close to the amount stipulated in the plan.
 

What Do the Benefits Cover?

Most vision insurance plans cover the primary vision services you may need. These include:

• Comprehensive eye exam

• Glasses

• Contacts

• Frames

• Lens enhancements
   

You should check the fine print to know exactly what is included in a plan. Some allow for premium lenses, while others have copay features. It will all depend on what you need and the coverage you want.
 

What Should You Look for in a Vision Plan?

When looking for a vision plan, it is essential that you first ensure you can get the benefits you will need most. Comprehensive eye exams and eyewear should be included. Next, you want to see how much flexibility it allows you.

For instance, can you get specialized lenses, or how many times can you get new glasses? Another critical thing to look for is the doctor network. It is best if you can access the doctors in their network.

For more about vision benefits, contact Advanced Vision Family Eye Care at our office in Bellingham, Washington. Call (360) 526-0075 to book an appointment today.