Do you need vision insurance? If you're not sure, you're not alone. Vision insurance is a relatively new addition to the world of health insurance, and many people are still trying to figure out what it is and whether they need it. In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about vision insurance so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to buy it. We'll cover what vision insurance covers, how much it costs, and the requirements in Tennessee
What is vision insurance?
Vision insurance is a type of health insurance that covers vision care, including preventative eye care (eye exams) and corrective eye care (glasses and contact lenses). There are no requirements for citizens to own vision insurance, but it can be purchased as part of a health insurance plan or as a standalone policy.
Your average health insurance policy doesn't usually cover vision care unless you have pre-existing eye diseases or need specialty care that requires surgery or medication. Therefore, most people have to purchase supplemental insurance for annual vision care.
When purchasing your vision insurance through your employer or other providers, keep in mind that it operates differently from regular health insurance. If you're in doubt, call your eye care provider and ask about the benefits of your vision plan prior to your appointment with your optometrist; or you can call one of our insurance experts who will be happy to help you.
If you have vision insurance, your annual eye exam is covered, and it will usually offer a discount for corrective lenses like glasses and contact lenses provided by your optometrist. Be sure to find an optometrist that takes your insurance, though! Not every optometrist's office is the same, and some may not take the insurance you buy.
Why do I need vision insurance?
Vision is crucial for everyday function -- that's obvious. According to the American Association of Ophthalmology more than 34 million Americans over 40 are myopic (nearsighted), and nearly 14.2 million Americans over 40 are hyperopic (farsighted). In addition to this, more than 150 million Americans wear corrective eye lenses for refractive errors. That's just over 45% of the United States population!
If you need vision care, you're not alone.
Vision insurance can provide affordable access to preventative eye care. Vision specialists like optometrists can spot early signs of eye diseases and other chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more.
Vision benefits can also save you money by covering much of the cost of eye care. This means that you pay less out-of-pocket than you usually would without vision insurance. For example, this can make a $100 eye exam cost only $25 out-of-pocket.
Not only does vision insurance increase your chances of catching early signs of health conditions and make vision care more affordable, it also helps you see more clearly! Vision insurance also offers a certain amount of money for eyewear like glasses and contact lenses.
What does vision insurance cover?
Vision insurance offers discounts or wellness benefit plans that provide specific benefits and discounts for an annual premium, unlike health insurance policies that provide unlimited benefits after you meet your deductible. This means that vision insurance operates much like a gift card, providing you with a certain amount of money to put toward basic eyewear or other products and enhancements like anti-reflective coatings on glasses.
Vision insurance plans typically cover routine eye exams, prescription glasses or contact lenses, and discounts on laser vision correction surgery such as LASIK. Some plans may also cover treatments for certain eye diseases and conditions.
If you're curious about what's covered by your vision insurance plan, contact us today - one of our health insurance experts will be happy to assist you in clarifying the benefits provided by your vision insurance plan or finding a new plan that fits your needs.
What isn't covered by vision insurance?
Some types of vision care, such as cosmetic procedures or non-prescription sunglasses, are not typically covered by vision insurance. However, you may be able to find a vision plan that offers discounts on these services.
Before purchasing any cosmetic procedures or non-prescription products, call your eye care provider and confirm the benefits provided to you by your vision insurance so you know exactly what is and isn't covered by the specific plan.
What are the different types of vision insurance?
There are two main types of vision insurance: Vision Service Plans (VSP) and managed care plans.
Vision Service Plans are the most common type of vision insurance. Employers often offer VSPs, but they can also be purchased as an individual or family plan. With a VSP, you pay an annual premium, and then you're reimbursed for a certain amount of your vision care costs.
Managed Care (MCO) plans are typically offered by health insurance companies. With these plans, you pay a monthly premium, and then you're given a set number of "credits" to use toward vision care services. These credits can be used for things like exams, glasses, or contact lenses. MCO plans usually have network restrictions, so it's important to ensure that your eye care provider is in-network before you enroll in one of these plans.
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for vision insurance. First, consider whether you need an individual or family plan. If you have a family, you'll want to make sure that the plan covers everyone in your household. Second, check to see if your employer offers any vision benefits. Employer-sponsored plans are often the most affordable option. Finally, compare different plans to find one that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need.
How much does vision insurance cost?
The cost of vision insurance in the United States varies depending on the features of the plan and the insurer. However, most stand-alone vision plans have premiums of $15 to $20 per month for an individual, and family plans typically cost $30 to $50 per month.
The cost of vision insurance depends on several factors, such as the type of coverage you choose and the state in which you live. In Tennessee for example, basic vision insurance plans start at around $13 per month.
Of course, the monthly premium is just one part of the equation. You will also have to pay out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance) when you receive vision care services. The amount you pay will depend on your plan and the type of service you receive.
Do I need vision insurance in Tennessee?
Vision coverage is not required in Tennessee, but it is available as an add-on to your health insurance policy. If you don't have vision insurance, you may still be able to get discounts on vision care through your employer or a professional organization.
Whether or not you need vision insurance depends on a number of factors, such as how often you visit the optometrist and whether or not you have any preexisting conditions that require treatment. If you only visit the optometrist once a year for a routine eye exam and don't wear glasses or contact lenses, you might not need vision insurance. However, if you visit the optometrist more frequently or if you wear glasses or contact lenses, then vision insurance might be a good option for you.
Vision insurance can help you catch eye and medical conditions early, which is important for safe driving in Tennessee.
AX Health Insurance can help you determine whether or not vision insurance is the right thing for you and if it may be covered in a health insurance package.
Where can I buy vision insurance in Tennessee?
There are a number of ways to get vision insurance in Tennessee, but finding the right insurance has never been easy, and the shifts in national policies have made it even harder to determine which options are best for you. But we have good news!
AX Health Insurance exists to help people find the right coverage for them – we can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to purchasing vision insurance. Sometimes, it can be packaged in with your health insurance plans. Once you are able to tell your AX Health Expert about your unique situation, they will know what type of plan to find for you.
The best part? You won’t pay a dime!