03/06/2025
Dr. Howard and I see patients every day who have vision plans to help with the cost of their exams, frames, and lenses.
Are they a good value? Can they save you money on the cost of your family's eyewear or contact lenses? What are some of the things that these vision plans will not pay for during an eye exam?
I believe we can offer some insight that may help you if you are evaluating getting a vision plan.
What do vision plans not pay for during an exam?
Vision plans typically do not cover eye health issues or medical problems like infections or diseases. These are covered by your standard health insurance, not a vision benefit.
Can a vision plan save you money?
Vision plans are essentially a way to prepay for a discount on routine annual exams and eyewear. Each month, you pay money to the plan, and they pay the provider of the exam and optical goods.
Breaking down the costs: The average cost of a vision discount plan in Southeast Missouri is similar to the national average. Typically, you can pay approximately $180 to $300 annually, plus any additional copays for exams, glasses, or contact lenses. A vision plan's average premium costs $15-$25 per month, depending on the plan.
Here are a few very important points to consider when looking at a vision plan: Pay attention to the copays and allowances for exams, frames, and contacts. A lower cost monthly may mean higher copays or fewer allowances.
Additionally, most vision benefit plans impose restrictions on your eye care provider and limit your access to many beneficial eyewear options. Check the provider network to ensure your preferred eye doctors are included. It may not be worth it to pay lower fees if you have to drive 100 miles to the closest provider.
So, is it worth it??
In short, itβs essential to compare the premiums and additional copays to the actual costs without a plan. You may find that many times they exceed the savings. For example, if you only have one family member who wears glasses or contact lenses, the cost of the family plan may be more than the cost if you pay for the glasses outright. If you're looking to save on eye care, some alternative ideas could be a Health Savings Account (HSA) or setting aside a small amount into a traditional savings account. Remember, vision plans are a discount saving plan that you pay into each month to offset the cost of a yearly exam and goods. One person usually saves more by paying costs themselves with an HSA or a savings account. I find that you need to have at least two family members using the discount from your family vision plan to save money using a vision plan.
If you have any questions about vision plans or need to schedule an eye exam, please phone our Doniphan office at 573-996-EYES.