How Much Does Lasik Eye Surgery Cost?
Currently, insurance (including vision) does not cover LASIK. However, it can be paid for using an HSA or FSA. The total cost of LASIK will depend on the individual practice, but the average price in New York is between two and three thousand dollars per eye. While price is a factor to consider, surgeon skill and experience will always command a premium.
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What Is The Average Cost For Lasik?
On average, lasik eye surgery costs roughly $2000 to $3000 per eye. That is the equivalent to:
- about 100 boxes of contact lenses (around a 10-year supply)
- 10-15 pairs of prescription glasses (around a 10 to 30-year supply)
- 700-1000 Starbucks coffees
The exact cost of lasik eye surgery can vary depending on multiple factors such as the surgeon performing the procedure, the quality of the laser technology and other equipment used, and the level of vision correction needed.
How Much Does Lasik Eye Surgery Cost For Astigmatism?
The average cost for lasik eye surgery for astigmatism is around $4200 in total. This can vary depending on the same factors described above.
What Is Covered By Vision Insurance For Lasik?
Most health insurance plans do not cover Lasik as it is considered an elective/cosmetic procedure. Vision insurance plans however do offer some benefits towards the cost of laser vision correction including discounts on the procedures (with higher discounts for n-network surgeons) and benefits on frames for non-prescription eyewear after the surgery (for any aesthetic purposes).
Are There Preferred Providers Of Insurance Plans For Lasik?
An insurance plan will offer its policyholders a network of healthcare facilities or professionals that will offer discounted services to these patients. These healthcare facilities or professionals are considered preferred providers of the insurance plan. Check your policy to determine which lasik surgeons/facilities fall under your insurance’s preferred provider organization.
How To Use Your FSA Or HSA To Pay For Lasik?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an account employers offer employees access to transfer up to $2750 (as of 2021) per year of pre-tax income to help cover out-of-pocket costs for healthcare such as lasik. A Health Savings Account (HSA) is another account employers offer employees to contribute pre-tax income up to $3650 per year (as of 2022) for the individual’s HAS plan or $7300 (as of 2022) for a family plan for similar out-of-pocket health expenses. You cannot have both an FSA and an HSA at the same time. Unlike the FSA, any funds that went unspent in the HSA by the end of the year can roll over from year to year, although there are currently new rules outlining how FSA holders can use their leftover money from 2021. Further details can be provided by your benefits manager.
If You Get Lasik And Currently Wear Contacts, How Much Will You Save Over Your Lifetime?
If you were to get lasik done between the ages of 20 and 29 you could save $24,000 – $29,000 on contacts over your lifetime. If you undergo lasik eye surgery between 30 and 39 you could save $18,000 – $21,000 on contacts over your lifetime. If you get lasik surgery between 40 and 49, you could save $12,000 – $14,000 on contacts over your lifetime.
How Much Does Lasik Cost In New York?
On average, the vision correction surgery cost $2200 – $3000 per eye in New York.
What Is The Cost Of PRK?
On average, PRK costs about $2300 per eye and the price ranges between $1000 – $3000 per eye depending on factors such as practice location and technology utilized for the eye surgery.
What Are The Typical Financing Or Insurance Options For Lasik?
There are a multitude of lasik financing companies which are utilized by many lasik medical practices and surgery centers to help patients finance the cost of the vision correction surgery. Through financing, the patient can elect for a payment plan that fits their financial needs best between the down payment, interest rate, and monthly installments. Vision insurance plans, such as Cigna and Blue Vision, offer some benefits towards the cost of laser vision correction including discounts on the procedures.
Thinking About Having Lasik But Are Not Sure If You Can Afford It?
It is best not to determine your surgeon solely going for the lowest deal/cost. Consult with your lasik surgeon on the cost of the procedure and any financing options the practice offers. Contact your insurance company on any potential discounts and benefits that can be applied to help with the cost of the eye surgery. Confirm with your employee benefits manager on the status of your FSA or HSA to make sure the funds can be utilized to help cover the costs. In addition, do diligent research to determine if lasik is worth it to you.
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Conclusion
Lasik eye surgery is an expensive procedure, ranging from $2000 to $3000 per eye due to factors such as the surgeon/practice and the technology utilized, that is typically not covered by health insurances. Vision insurance companies such as Cigna and Blue Vision can offer discounts on the procedure and other benefits for surgeons/facilities that fall under the preferred provider organization. HAS and FSA are employee accounts offered by employers that can utilize some of their pre-tax income to help fund the lasik eye surgery. Another option for affording the lasik eye surgery cost is with lasik financing companies offered through the medical practices and surgery centers. The patient can select a payment plan that fits their financial needs best between the down payment, interest rate, and monthly installments. If you are thinking about undergoing lasik, consult with your refractive surgeon, employee benefits manager, and insurance company to ensure you can utilize all your options in covering the cost of the procedure.
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What other types of refractive surgery are available?
There are several other types of refractive procedures besides LASIK, including SMILE, ICL, and PRK. Small incision lenticule extraction, or SMILE, is a procedure designed for those with myopia, or myopia with astigmatism.
