Does Medicare Cover Lasik Eye Surgery?

If you’ve been squinting at your screen wondering Does Medicare cover Lasik eye surgery? you’re not alone. This question is more common than you’d think and it’s an important one especially if you’re tired of fumbling for your glasses every morning like they’re playing hide-and-seek. Lasik surgery promises to free you from the shackles of eyewear but can you count on Medicare to foot the bill? Let’s dive in and get the facts straight with a bit of humor and a pinch of realism.

Understanding Medicare’s Coverage for Eye Procedures

Medicare generally covers medically necessary procedures and Lasik eye surgery well doesn’t usually make the cut because it’s considered elective. Yes Medicare might cover eye surgeries but these are typically for issues like cataracts where your vision is at risk not just to give you perfect 20/20 vision. So if you’re hoping Medicare will swoop in to pay for your Lasik surgery you might be setting yourself up for disappointment.

What Does Medicare Actually Cover?

Here’s what Medicare does cover when it comes to your peepers:

• Cataract surgery: Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery including the cost of a basic intraocular lens and even pays for corrective lenses or glasses after the surgery.
• Glaucoma screenings: Medicare covers an annual glaucoma test for people at high risk including those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma.
• Macular degeneration treatment: If you’ve got age-related macular degeneration Medicare Part B may cover certain diagnostic tests and treatments.
• Eye exams: Medicare covers eye exams if you have diabetes to check for diabetic retinopathy but regular eye exams for vision correction are out of luck.

So does this list include Lasik eye surgery? Nope not even close.

Potential Drawbacks of Medicare Not Covering Lasik

Sure it might seem unfair that Medicare doesn’t cover Lasik eye surgery especially if you’ve been battling glasses or contact lenses for years. But let’s be real Medicare’s main job is to cover what’s necessary not what’s nice to have. You wouldn’t expect your insurance to pay for that snazzy new car just because you’re tired of your old one would you?

But here’s a funny twist if Medicare did cover Lasik imagine the stampede of people rushing to get their eyes zapped—ophthalmologists would be booked solid till the next millennium!

Alternatives for Covering Lasik Surgery

Now if you’re still set on getting Lasik surgery and Medicare isn’t going to cover it what are your options?

Private Insurance

Some private insurance plans might cover Lasik but it’s often limited. Check with your insurer to see if they offer any Lasik benefits or discounts. You might find that they cover a portion of the cost or offer a special rate with certain providers.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

If you have an FSA or HSA you can use those funds to pay for your Lasik surgery. It’s a tax-free way to cover your costs and every little bit helps when you’re paying out-of-pocket.

Financing Plans

Many Lasik providers offer financing plans so you can spread out the cost of the surgery over time. Just be sure to read the fine print because not all financing deals are created equal. Some might have high interest rates that sneak up on you like a cat on a mouse.

Final Thoughts from Henry Beltran

Henry Beltran the owner of Medicare Advisors Insurance Group LLC puts it like this “Lasik eye surgery is one of those things that many people want but it’s not something Medicare is likely to cover anytime soon. It’s an elective procedure and while it’s great for improving vision it’s not medically necessary. But hey if you’re determined to get rid of your glasses there are other ways to make it happen even if Medicare isn’t footing the bill.”

In summary Lasik eye surgery is a fantastic option if you’re looking to ditch the glasses but Medicare won’t be the one paying for it. Consider your alternatives and plan accordingly because while Medicare is great for covering necessary eye surgeries it’s not going to cover every wish list item.

So there you have it folks does Medicare cover Lasik eye surgery? The answer is a definitive no but with a little creativity and planning you can still make your Lasik dream come true.

References:

• “Medicare & You 2024,” U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
• “Does Medicare Cover LASIK Surgery?,” MedicareABC.

Remember always consult with a Medicare Advisor to get the most accurate information tailored to your personal situation.