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| 12/01/2010 |
Do you need a vision plan? |
Question: Do you need a vision plan?
My employer contributes to a small flex account for my medical expenses, but cut my vision plan. Do I need to find a new one?
Answer: A vision plan is a valuable part of your overall health insurance plan. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, a vision plan can save you a significant amount of money. Even if your vision is fine, a vision plan can help with the cost of regular eye and vision care. Because many eye diseases have no signs or symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are an important element in maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Several good vision plans are available today:
•Major Vision Plans: Vision Service Plan (VSP), VisionCare Plan, Vision Benefits of America and Eyemed Vision Care are four of the most popular vision plans available today. These plans offer excellent vision benefits through large provider networks consisting of high-quality, independent private practices.
•Flex Accounts: A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is one of a number of tax-advantaged financial accounts that can be set up by an employer in the United States. An FSA allows an employee to set aside a portion of his earnings to pay for qualified expenses, most commonly for medical expenses. If you have a flex account, you probably don't need a vision plan. Eye exams, glasses and contact lenses are considered health care expenses and your flex account can be used.
•Health Care Financing: Many private practitioners work with outside financing programs, such as CareCredit patient financing. CareCredit specializes in financing healthcare procedures. Depending on your credit, you may be eligible for up to 24 months of no-interest financing.
•Savings Accounts: Vision care, for the most part, is a planned expense. Except in the case of loss or accidental breakage, you are usually aware when you are due for new glasses or an eye exam. Many people prefer to create a small savings account and add a little money to it each month.
Vision plans are an important part of a good health insurance plan. Unfortunately, they are sometimes the only reason why some people schedule an annual eye examination: If they did not have the plan, they probably wouldn't make eye care a priority. The importance of regular eye exams is extremely underrated. Serious eye diseases are often missed by regular doctors. Eye conditions, such as glaucoma, are often not diagnosed early enough by optometrists or ophthalmologists to prevent vision loss. It is frustrating that not all medical insurance policies make it standard to cover the expense of routine eye exams. If you find yourself skimping on eye and vision care because of finances, make it a priority to find and invest in an affordable vision plan. Don't take chances with one of your most precious possessions, your clear sight.
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| Source: Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., About.com Guide |
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