Older generations had to pay out of pocket for these necessary services, so it’s a good thing that vision insurance exists today.
Many people are not aware that vision insurance differs from medical insurance. So, this article will break down some of the primary differences between medical and vision insurance. Perhaps your company offers vision as a supplemental benefit, but you are uncertain if you will need it. If that is the case, start here.
Why Are Medical and Vision Insurance Separate?
Some people may wonder if eye health is part of their overall health, why aren’t medical and vision insurance together? One reason is that optometry was created more recently as a field than medicine. In fact, eyeglasses were designed and sold by craftsmen rather than optometrists. Unfortunately, older generations had to pay out of pocket for these necessary services, so it’s a good thing that vision insurance exists today.
Generally speaking, there is also the fact that medical care is more essential than dental or vision. Medical insurance covers medications and procedures that are vital to your ability to live. In contrast, dental and vision related to matters of cosmetics or comfort, rather than survival.
What Does Vision Insurance Cover?
Even though all vision insurance plans are not equal, they will generally cover the following:
- Yearly eye examinations
- Eyeglass frames and lenses
- Contact lenses
- LASIK surgery (this is less prevalent, but many insurance companies will provide you a discount on corrective surgeries)
Also, be sure to ask about any limitations your vision insurance may have when you discuss voluntary benefits with your employer. For example, many vision insurance policies do not cover prescription glasses if they are misplaced or have damage nor do they cover non-prescription reading glasses. In addition, they might not cover any application charges or fees for missed appointments.
Is Eye Care Considered Medical? And When?
Occasionally, medical insurance can cover eye exams. This only occurs when the problem at hand qualifies as medical rather than a vision issue per se. For example, if your concern with your eyes comes from a medical problem, it would be a medical expense. Or if you have an injury to your eye that requires surgery or treatment, you would obtain the services of an ophthalmologist, not an optometrist. These services would typically cover medical insurance.
Find the Right Health Insurance Solutions for Your Needs
Malden Solutions has a wealth of expertise in providing employer insurance solutions, HR solutions, and individual insurance solutions to businesses both big and small. Our team of seasoned professionals can help you navigate the rapidly-changing world of insurance with ease. We partner with businesses and individuals throughout the country to provide our dedicated services for employee benefits but also work within our surrounding communities in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Contact us today to learn more about how we can provide effective, dynamic solutions for your business. Stay connected with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.